What documentation actually works for DUA claim approval? TWC appeals taking forever!

I had my DUA claim approved last month after initially being denied. The key documents that finally worked for me were: 1) A notarized statement from my employer detailing exactly how the disaster affected operations 2) Proof of employment that showed I was working immediately before the disaster (pay stubs from the 2 weeks prior) 3) My previous year's tax return with Schedule C since I did some 1099 work at that location too. The trick was getting everything notarized and making sure dates aligned perfectly with the disaster declaration. My appeal took almost 6 weeks to process though. Hang in there!

Mine was denied 3 TIMES!!!! The whole system is rigged against us. I sent EVERYTHING they asked for and they kept saying "insufficient proof of employment" when I literally sent them W2s and paystubs!!! Don't get your hopes up, I finally gave up and took a minimum wage job that barely covers my rent. TWC is the WORST.

What date was your workplace damaged? If it was from the March flooding, make sure your documentation specifically references the disaster declaration date (March 15, 2025 I think). My first DUA application was rejected because my employer's letter didn't specifically mention how the disaster directly prevented me from working. Had to get a new, more detailed letter that explicitly tied my job loss to the flooding damage. Also make sure you're answering all the DUA weekly certification questions correctly - they're different from regular UI and it's easy to answer wrong which can cause payment issues.

After helping several clients with DUA claims this year, I've noticed TWC is being extremely strict about documentation. Here's what works best: 1. Employment and wage verification must cover the period immediately BEFORE the disaster (within 7 days) 2. Documentation must clearly show you were working at the disaster-affected location 3. You need proof the work stoppage was a DIRECT result of the disaster 4. If self-employed, you need business licenses/tax documents AND proof of business activity right before the disaster For appeals, request a formal hearing rather than just document review. This gives you a chance to explain your situation to a hearing officer who can ask clarifying questions.

my cousin works at twc (not saying which office lol) and she says theyre throwing out like half the dua claims cuz of budget cuts!!! they got told to be super picky about proof. its so messed up.

After trying for 2 weeks to reach someone at TWC about my denied DUA claim (always busy signals or disconnects), I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual TWC agent in less than an hour. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh that shows how it works. The agent I spoke with was able to tell me exactly why my claim was denied and what specific documentation I needed for my appeal. Saved me so much time and stress! Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

One thing many people don't realize with DUA claims is that they require slightly different documentation than regular unemployment. Your work history needs to specifically demonstrate that: 1. You were working or about to start working in the disaster area 2. The disaster DIRECTLY caused your unemployment 3. You don't qualify for regular UI benefits For appeals, timing matters too. If you're reaching the 60-day mark since filing your appeal, contact your state representative's office. They can often help expedite stuck claims through their TWC liaison. I've seen appeals that were sitting for weeks suddenly get processed after a representative inquiry.

anyone else notice how they ask for like 500 different documents but then deny you anyway lol

Update on my situation - finally had my appeal hearing this morning and it was approved on the spot! The hearing officer said the main reason my initial DUA claim was denied was because my employer's letter didn't specifically state that my unemployment was a "direct result" of the disaster - those exact words matter. Also, having my final paystub from the week before the disaster made a big difference. One tip: prepare a clear timeline of events before your hearing. Mine went like this: - March 12: Disaster occurred - March 13: Workplace damaged and inaccessible - March 14: Employer notified staff of indefinite closure - March 15: Official disaster declaration date - March 20: Filed initial DUA claim Having this timeline ready made the hearing go much smoother. Good luck with your claim!