BELL COUNTY, Texas — Residents of Bell County who have been unable to work due to the severe storms that swept through Central Texas last month can now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
Bell County was included in the amended Presidential Disaster Declaration, meaning those in the county may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Those who wish to apply for benefits can do so through Unemployment Benefit Services through the TWC or by calling the TWC at (800) 939-6631 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
TWC said applicants should specify that their applications are related to damage caused by severe weather. Applications for DUA benefits must be received by July 16, said the TWC.
The Commission said DUA benefits are available to people who fit the following criteria:
- Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits
- Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster
- Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income
- Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster
- Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of household
- Were unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster
TWC said all required documentation, including social security number and documentation of work, must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed.
TWC said it must have documentation that applicants were working or scheduled to start working at the time of the disaster.
Proof of employment can be submitted using TWC's online UI Submission Portal.
More information on benefits and how to apply can be found at this link.
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