The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is urging East Texans impacted by this spring’s severe weather to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) before the July 16, 2024, deadline. This essential program provides financial aid to individuals whose jobs or businesses were affected by the storms, flooding, and tornadoes that swept through East Texas in April and May. The TWC emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to secure this support.
As the agency overseeing workforce development services in Texas, the TWC has played a pivotal role in disaster recovery. The commission has expanded the list of counties eligible for DUA as new areas have been added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration, ensuring comprehensive support for all affected Texans.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, individuals must have been working or self-employed in one of the counties included in the Presidential Disaster Declaration. The eligible counties now include Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker, and Waller.
The TWC has streamlined the application process to help those affected. Applications can be submitted online through the TWC’s Unemployment Benefit Services website or by calling the dedicated hotline at (800) 939-6631, available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time.
Impact of Spring Severe Weather
The severe weather of spring 2024 brought significant challenges to East Texas, with storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding causing widespread damage. Many residents faced sudden unemployment or reduced income. The DUA program aims to provide temporary financial assistance to those who might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
TWC’s Comprehensive Approach
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is part of the TWC’s broader strategy to support the Texas workforce. In addition to disaster relief, the commission offers a variety of services to strengthen the labor market and assist both employers and job seekers.
Training and Development Initiatives
The TWC is committed to preparing workers for long-term careers in high-demand industries. Recent grants from the High Demand Job Training (HDJT) program have been awarded to workforce solutions boards across the state. These grants help equip workers with skills needed for emerging occupations, ensuring Texas’s workforce is prepared for future economic opportunities.
The Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund
Another key initiative is the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund, created by legislation passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and signed by Governor Greg Abbott. This fund aims to increase the number of qualified workers in high-demand occupations, addressing potential skills gaps and maintaining Texas’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Labor Market Information and Career Resources
The TWC also provides valuable labor market information and career resources through its Labor Market and Career Information (LMCI) department. Tools like Texas LMI and Texas Career Check offer insights into job titles, pay information, and future job projections. Resources such as the Texas Internship Challenge, Texas Reality Check, and the State Training Inventory assist students, counselors, and teachers in exploring career options and finding education and training programs.
Combating Fraud and Ensuring Integrity
The TWC is committed to preventing fraud and abuse within its programs, ensuring that assistance is directed to those who genuinely need it.
With the July 16 deadline for DUA applications approaching, the TWC continues to play a crucial role in supporting Texas’s workforce during immediate crises and long-term development. The commission’s multifaceted approach – from disaster relief to job training and fraud prevention – highlights its importance in sustaining Texas’s economic resilience and growth.
For East Texans affected by the spring severe weather, the message is clear: apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance before the deadline. The TWC is ready to support the workforce, ensuring that Texas remains a beacon of opportunity and resilience in the face of challenges.