Abbott Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance

This week, Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for workers and self-employed Texans that have been impacted by the recent storms and flooding in Kerr County.

The assistance is being offered under President Donald Trump’s (R) Major Disaster Declaration, which allows Texans who are unable to work due to storm-related damage to apply for benefits.

“Texas continues to work around the clock to assist local officials in search and rescue and recovery operations,” Governor Abbott informed in a statement. “We are also working to ensure that Texans hit hardest by these devastating floods have the resources they need to move forward.”

“Workers and self-employed Texans in Kerr County are now eligible to apply and receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Impacted Texans should know that we will be relentless in helping them get back on their feet,” the governor announced.

Eligible individuals can apply online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The deadline to apply for the assistance is September 4, 2025, and applicants must indicate that their claim is related to Hill Country flooding.

Additional counties may be added to the disaster declaration as officials review damage reports submitted through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s iSTAT tool at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

DUA is available to individuals who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits or are otherwise ineligible, and who meet certain criteria, such as losing work due to storm damage, being unable to reach their job, suffering a disaster-related injury, or becoming the household’s primary breadwinner due to the disaster.

Applicants must submit proof of employment within 21 days of filing, via TWC’s online UI Submission Portal, fax, or mail.