Individuals in the Hill Country who lost their jobs or had work disrupted by severe storms and flooding earlier this summer have until September 4, 2025, to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), according to a joint reminder from 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 program is available under President Donald J. Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration for workers and self-employed individuals in Burnet, Kerr, Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties who are unable to work due to damage caused by severe weather.
Those affected can apply online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631. Applications must be submitted by September 4.
Eligibility requirements include having used all regular unemployment benefits or not qualifying for them; being employed or self-employed in the disaster area or scheduled to begin such work; being unable to perform work because of physical damage or destruction at the place of employment due to the disaster; proving that such work was the primary source of income; inability to work due to injury from the disaster; becoming a household’s breadwinner after the death of its head; or being unable to reach employment because travel routes are blocked by disaster effects.
Applicants must submit all required documentation within 21 days of filing. This includes proof of Social Security number and evidence showing employment or planned employment at the time of the disaster. Failure to provide this information will result in halted payments and potential repayment obligations for any received benefits. In some cases, TWC may use existing wage records as proof.
Proof of employment should be submitted using TWC’s online UI Submission Portal by selecting “DUA Proof of Employment at Time of Disaster.” Those without internet access may send documents via fax or mail.
For more information on job search resources and training programs, applicants can visit local Workforce Solutions offices or use TWC’s job-search engine at WorkinTexas.com.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management encourages residents with property damage from recent disasters to report it using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). These reports help officials determine eligibility for federal assistance like DUA.
