AUSTIN – Victims of flooding in six additional counties may now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of an amendment to the Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4223-DR). Workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to storms in Angelina, Erath, Frio, Jim Wells, Montgomery and Trinity counties may apply for DUA. Applications for DUA for these six counties must be submitted by August 12, 2015.
Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) website contains more information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Individual Assistance provides affected residents and businesses access to federal disaster aid programs including unemployment benefits for workers who temporarily lost their jobs because of the disaster or self-employed individuals.
Individuals affected by the severe storms in these counties can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling a TWC Tele-Center, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 800-939-6631. Individuals should specify that their applications are related to the damage caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in one of the counties listed in the amended disaster declaration. In these designated areas, affected individuals can find the nearest FEMA DRC by entering their zip code in the Disaster Recovery Center Locator.
Flood victims can also visit any Workforce Solutions office to apply for DUA. Victims of the floods in counties listed below must submit DUA applications by the following deadlines:
- Cooke, Dallas, Fannin, Grayson, Liberty, Nueces and Walker – July 17, 2015
- Fayette – July 27, 2015
- Bowie, Brazoria, Cherokee, Ellis and Harrison – August 5, 2015
Applications for DUA filed after the above deadlines will be considered untimely, unless the individual provides good cause for applying late.