Governor Abbott reminds Texans of deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance after Hill Country floods

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) are urging Texans whose jobs or self-employment were disrupted by the devastating Fourth of July floods in the Hill Country to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) before the approaching September 4 deadline. The reminder comes as recovery efforts continue in communities still reeling from severe storms and widespread flooding earlier this summer.

“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 benefits were made possible under President Donald J. Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration, which covers Burnet, Kerr, Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties. Workers and self-employed individuals in these areas may qualify for assistance if they have been unable to work due to flood damage.

Who Qualifies for DUA

DUA is designed for individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits but lost work because of a disaster. To qualify, applicants must meet one of several conditions, such as:

• Losing employment or self-employment because of disaster-related physical damage to the workplace.

• Proving their work or business was their main source of income.

• Being scheduled to start a new job or self-employment but unable to do so because of the disaster.

• Being unable to work due to disaster-related injury.

• Becoming the main household supporter after the disaster caused the death of the head of household.

• Being prevented from reaching their workplace because of disaster-related travel barriers.

Applicants must provide documentation, including their Social Security number and proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster. This proof must be submitted within 21 days of filing the initial claim. Without proper documentation, TWC will stop payments and applicants may be required to repay benefits already received.

How to Apply

Eligible Texans can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling (800) 939-6631. Proof of employment can be submitted most efficiently through TWC’s online UI Submission Portal by selecting “DUA Proof of Employment at Time of Disaster” from the menu. Those without internet access can send documents by fax to (512) 322-2867 or by mail to:

Texas Workforce Commission
Attn: DUA Proof
P.O. Box 149137
Austin, TX 78714-9137

Additional Resources for Texans

Beyond unemployment benefits, the TWC also provides job search resources, résumé support, training programs, and access to job postings through WorkinTexas.com. Local Workforce Solutions offices are available to assist residents exploring career opportunities during recovery.

Meanwhile, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) continues to encourage affected Texans to report damage through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). These reports help officials determine eligibility for disaster-related aid, including DUA.

As the deadline nears, state leaders stress the importance of applying on time. The assistance can help stabilize families financially as they work to rebuild after one of the most destructive storms to strike the Hill Country in recent years.