Will my regular TWC benefits automatically roll over to DUA when exhausted?

You need to submit a new application specifically for DUA when your regular benefits are about to end. They don't automatically roll you over because they're two completely different programs with different funding sources (federal vs state). I went through this after Hurricane Eliza in 2023. Be aware that DUA currently has a deadline of September 30, 2025 for Texas counties affected by Hurricane Samuel, so you need to apply before then. You'll also need to provide documentation showing you were employed in or scheduled to begin employment in the disaster area and can no longer work due to the disaster. Keep in mind that DUA weekly benefit amounts are often different than regular UI - in my case it was about $50 less per week.

ur not gonna get DUA if u already qualified for regular benefits they only give that to people who DONT qualify for regular UI thats what the lady told me when i called them last year after the tornado in dallas

There's some confusion here that I'd like to clear up. DUA and regular UI are indeed separate programs, but your situation is actually common after disasters. According to TWC guidelines: 1. If you qualify for regular UI, you MUST receive those benefits first 2. If your regular UI benefits exhaust while you're still unemployed due to the disaster, you CAN potentially transition to DUA for the remainder of the DUA period 3. BUT - and this is important - you must have applied for DUA within the initial application period (usually 30 days after the DUA announcement) So the question isn't whether you need to apply again (you shouldn't need to if you already applied for DUA initially), but whether your original DUA application is still in their system. Call TWC's Disaster Unemployment line specifically at 800-939-6631 rather than the regular unemployment line. They handle these situations specifically.

i was in the EXACT same boat last year!!! applied for both, got regular UI, then when that ran out i had to FIGHT with them for weeks to get the DUA even though i already applied. bring ALL your documentation showing your workplace was in the disaster zone. they made me resubmit everything even though they already had it!!

If you've been calling TWC and can't get through, try using Claimyr. I was in a similar situation after the flooding and couldn't reach anyone for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The TWC agent told me I needed to call the specific DUA department directly since regular UI representatives often don't understand how the transition works. The website is claimyr.com if you need it.

YOU HAVE TO REAPPLY!!! My cousin didn't and lost out on like $5000!!! The TWC is DELIBERATELY making this complicated so people give up!! Don't listen to anyone saying it's automatic because IT'S NOT!!! The deadline is already passed for initial applications from Hurricane Samuel (it was 30 days after the declaration) BUT since you already applied once you MIGHT be ok but you NEED to talk to a specialist!!!! The regular TWC people DO NOT KNOW how this works!!!!

I want to reassure you that if you already applied for DUA within the initial application window after Hurricane Samuel (which was April 15-May 15, 2025), your application should still be in their system. The process should work like this: 1. You exhaust regular UI benefits 2. TWC should automatically review your eligibility for DUA at that point 3. If additional documentation is needed, they'll contact you That said, government bureaucracy being what it is, it's always best to be proactive. About 2-3 weeks before your regular benefits end, contact the DUA specialists directly. Document every call (date, time, representative name, and what they told you). Also, continue to file your payment requests during the transition period so there's no gap in your claim history. This creates a record showing you remained unemployed due to the disaster throughout.

UPDATE: Finally got through to TWC this morning! For anyone else in this situation, here's what they told me: 1. Since I already applied for DUA within the 30-day window after Hurricane Samuel, my application is still valid 2. When my regular UI exhausts, I need to call them directly to activate the DUA benefits 3. There won't be any automatic transition - I have to initiate it 4. I should call 2 weeks before my regular benefits end 5. I need to bring proof my workplace is still closed due to hurricane damage Thank you everyone for your help! This community is amazing.