Where can I find the Disaster Unemployment Assistance link for TWC applications?

I applied for DUA last year after that big tornado hit East Texas. Here's what you need to do: 1) First make sure your county is officially declared a disaster area - FEMA has to approve it 2) Go to the main TWC unemployment page: ui.texasworkforce.org 3) There should be a special banner or announcement about disaster assistance if your area qualifies 4) You'll still use the regular application but there will be specific questions about disaster impacts If you don't see anything about disasters on the homepage, your county might not be officially declared yet. It usually takes a few days after the event.

u dont need a special link just mark that ur unemployed due to disaster when it asks why in the regular application

I went through this after Hurricane Harvey hit us and it was SO CONFUSING!!! The TWC website is absolutely TERRIBLE at explaining the difference between regular unemployment and disaster assistance. I filled out the wrong forms THREE TIMES and had to keep calling them to fix it. And don't even get me started on how impossible it is to reach a real person there!!! I spent FOUR DAYS just trying to get through to someone who could help me!

The disaster unemployment program is only activated after a federal disaster declaration, and the application is accessed through the same TWC unemployment portal (ui.texasworkforce.org). However, there are important differences between regular UI and DUA: - DUA covers self-employed people who normally don't qualify for regular UI - You must be able to prove you can't work specifically because of the disaster - The application deadline is typically just 30 days after the DUA announcement - Documentation requirements are different Make sure to carefully read all the questions and select disaster-related options when they appear. Also, check the TWC press releases page for official announcements about disaster declarations in your area.

I had to apply for disaster unemployment last year and the process was frustrating with busy signals and disconnections every time I called TWC. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual TWC agent who walked me through the disaster application process. Saved me days of frustration! They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh that shows how it works. The agent I spoke with was super helpful explaining what disaster-specific documents I needed to upload.

my sister got the disaster benefits after the hurricane last year. she said make sure you have proof your job was affected by the disaster like photos of damage or letter from employer. they ask for more stuff than regular unemployment

I remember when we had the big freeze in 2021, my neighbor told me he applied for this. The thing is, you have to wait until they actually announce the program for your specific disaster - each disaster gets its own announcement. Once that happens, there's usually a big announcement on the TWC homepage with a button or link specifically for that disaster. Before that happens though, there's literally nothing to click on, which is probably why you're confused. Also, make sure you're eligible! Disaster unemployment isn't the same as regular unemployment. You have to have lost work specifically because of the disaster - like your workplace was destroyed or you can't get to work because roads are blocked. If you were already unemployed before the disaster, you wouldn't qualify for DUA.

Just to follow up - I just checked and it looks like TWC hasn't posted anything about recent flooding disaster unemployment yet. They usually send out a press release first, then update the website. You might want to sign up for their news alerts at https://www.twc.texas.gov/news to get notified as soon as they announce the DUA program for your disaster. The deadline to apply is usually 30 days after the announcement, so you don't want to miss it!

kinda off topic but make sure u do ur work search stuff even with disaster benefits they still made me do that