Texans affected by severe storms and flooding in the Hill Country have until September 4, 2025, to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), according to a reminder issued by Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
“Texans who lost their jobs or had their work disrupted by the catastrophic Fourth of July floods should know that recovery resources remain available to them,” said Governor Abbott. “Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides a lifeline for families as they continue to recover and rebuild. Impacted Texans need to apply before the September 4 deadline so they can get the support they need and deserve.”
The DUA is available due to President Donald J. Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration. Eligible individuals include workers and self-employed persons in Burnet, Kerr, Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties who are unable to work because of damage from severe weather.
Applications can be submitted online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631. The deadline for submitting applications under this declaration is September 4.
To qualify for DUA benefits, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having used all regular unemployment benefits or being ineligible for them; having been employed or self-employed in the disaster area; losing work due to physical damage caused by the disaster; or becoming unable to work because of injury related to the event. Other qualifying circumstances include becoming the primary household supporter due to a death caused by the disaster or being unable to reach a job location because travel routes are blocked.
Applicants must submit all required documentation within 21 days from filing their application. This includes proof of Social Security number and evidence of employment or planned employment at the time of the disaster. Failure to provide this documentation will result in payments being halted and may require repayment of any received benefits. In some cases, TWC may use existing wage records as proof of employment.
Proof of employment can be submitted through TWC’s online UI Submission Portal by selecting “DUA Proof of Employment at Time of Disaster.” Those without online access can send documents via fax or mail:
Texas Workforce Commission
Attn: DUA Proof
P.O. Box 149137 Austin, TX 78714-9137
Fax: (512) 322-2867
Additional information about job search resources and training programs is available on the TWC website. Job seekers can also connect with employers using WorkinTexas.com.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management urges residents and business owners with property damage from recent disasters to report it using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). These reports help determine eligibility for federal assistance such as DUA.
