TWC self-employed (1099) claim after thunderstorm & Hurricane Beryl - confused about application dates

As a self-employed person (1099), you'd qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), not regular unemployment. You should file from the date of the first disaster that impacted your ability to work (the thunderstorm). You only need ONE application - you can explain both disaster impacts in your claim details.\n\nFor the employer section, put your own name as the business owner and your own contact information. You'll need to provide proof of self-employment (tax documents, business licenses, etc.) and documentation showing you were working before the disaster.\n\nFYI - there's typically a 30-day deadline after a federal disaster declaration to apply for DUA, so don't wait any longer!

Thank you so much! That clears up a lot. Do you know if they'll deny me since it's been more than 30 days since the thunderstorm? Hurricane Beryl was more recent though, so maybe that one is still valid?

THE WHOLE DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT THING IS A JOKE!!!! I applied after a tornado hit my area last year and it took SIX WEEKS just to get a determination letter, then they DENIED me saying I \

man that sucks sorry to hear that. did u ever end up getting anything?

I went through this exact situation last year after my 1099 work dried up following a natural disaster. Here's what worked for me:\n\n1. Apply based on the FIRST incident that affected your work (the thunderstorm)\n2. You only need one application - list the thunderstorm as the initial cause and mention Hurricane Beryl as an exacerbating factor in the detailed explanation\n3. For the employer section, list yourself as \

Is that Claimyr thing legit? I almost used it but got sketched out about giving access to my claim info to a third party...

off topic but how much were you making on 1099? im thinking of switching to contract work

This really isn't the time for that conversation. I'm desperate for help figuring out my unemployment situation after losing everything.

The thunderstorm vs. Hurricane Beryl question is important. In terms of DUA, each federally declared disaster has its own separate application period. For the recent Hurricane Beryl, President Biden approved a disaster declaration for several Texas counties on July 19, 2025, which means the DUA application deadline would be around August 18, 2025 (30 days after).\n\nIf the earlier thunderstorm wasn't part of a federally declared disaster, you wouldn't qualify for DUA from that event anyway. But Hurricane Beryl definitely qualifies if you're in one of the declared counties.\n\nWhen you apply, you need to show:\n1. Self-employment income (2024 tax return is best)\n2. Proof you were working before the disaster (recent invoices, contracts)\n3. Documentation showing how the disaster directly prevented you from working\n\nDon't stress about the employer fields - just put \

They'll \

i was in the same boat last yr when that flood hit. self employed carpenter. the key thing is getting thru to someone at twc who actually knows what theyre doing. took me like 8 tries of calling and hanging up until i got someone helpful lol

8 tries? I've already tried calling like 20+ times and never get through! Did you call at a specific time of day that worked better?

tried at 7:58am right when they open. but even then its like winning the lottery. my buddy used that claimyr thing someone mentioned and got thru first try tho

Thanks for the tip. I'll try calling right when they open tomorrow. I'm just so stressed about filing correctly since I've never done this before.

To address your timing concern: For Hurricane Beryl specifically, you're still within the 30-day window since the federal disaster declaration was made on July 19, 2025. Focus your application primarily on Beryl's impact.\n\nEven though the thunderstorm happened first, if it wasn't a federally declared disaster, it wouldn't qualify for DUA anyway. In the \

This is SO helpful! I didn't even think about the work search requirements. Do I need to be looking for 1099 work or would regular employment count too?

Both 1099 and regular employment opportunities count toward your work search requirements. Any reasonable effort to find suitable work qualifies - including applying for jobs, sending resumes, having interviews, registering with WorkInTexas.com, or attending networking events. \n\nJust make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your work search activities (date, company, position, contact method, result). TWC can audit your work search logs at any time.

When I applied for DUA after the flooding last spring, I got confused by all the questions about \

Wait, seriously? I have to apply, get rejected, and THEN apply again? That seems so inefficient! Thanks for the heads up though - I would have been so confused when I got rejected.

Yes, the TWC process for self-employed disaster victims is unfortunately a two-step process. First apply for regular UI (which will be denied since you're self-employed), then apply for DUA. The first denial establishes that you're not eligible for regular benefits.\n\nWhen completing the first application, these tips will help:\n\n- For employment history, list yourself as \

And good luck EVER getting through to somebody at TWC who actually understands DUA!!! I called FIFTY-TWO TIMES over THREE DAYS and either got busy signals or got disconnected!!! The whole system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!!

That's why I recommended Claimyr in my earlier comment. I was in the same boat - calling for days with no luck. Claimyr got me through to a TWC agent in about 25 minutes. Not affiliated with them, just sharing what worked for me when I was dealing with my DUA application confusion.

I might try that service if I can't get through tomorrow morning. Between figuring out the application and trying to call TWC, this is turning into a full-time job itself!

I went through this exact process as a 1099 contractor after a hailstorm damaged my equipment last year. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. Apply for regular UI first (you'll get denied) - this creates the paper trail needed for DUA 2. For Hurricane Beryl, you're still within the 30-day window since the federal declaration on July 19th 3. Focus your DUA application on Beryl since it's the federally declared disaster 4. Keep EVERYTHING documented - photos of damage, lost contracts, invoices showing pre-disaster income The most important thing is having your 2024 tax return ready to prove self-employment income. Also, don't get discouraged by the initial UI denial - that's actually a required step in the process for self-employed folks. One tip that saved me time: when you fill out the work search requirements, applying for both 1099 gigs AND regular W-2 jobs counts. Cast a wide net and document everything. Good luck!