AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in four additional counties impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26. As noted in the announcement from Governor Greg Abbott, the amended Presidential Disaster Declaration now includes Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, and Waller Counties.

Workers and self-employed individuals in the designated counties who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from the severe weather may be eligible for DUA benefits. Individuals can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals should specify that their applications are related to the damage caused by severe weather. Applications for DUA benefits under this declaration must be submitted by July 16, 2024.

DUA, which is an unemployment insurance benefit made available especially for victims of disaster, is available to individuals who: 

• Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits; 
• Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area; 
• Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster; 
• Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income; 
• Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster; 
• Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of household; or  
• Were unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster.