Disaster Aid Available to 126 Counties Affected by the Winter Storm

Texas Workforce Commission • March 2, 2021

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of the February winter storm. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4586-DR) dated February 19, 2021, workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from February winter storm may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Applications for DUA must be submitted by March 26, 2021. TWC’s website contains more information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance.


Individuals affected by the winter storm in Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, DeWitt, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Fort Bend, Freestone, Galveston, Gillespie, Gonzales, Grayson, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Hood, Houston, Hunt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kendall, Lavaca, Liberty, Limestone, Lubbock, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, Medina, Milam, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Polk, Rusk, Rockwall, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Scurry, Shelby, Smith, Stephens, Tarrant, Taylor, Tom Green, Travis, Tyler, Upshur, Val Verde, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Wharton, Wichita, Williamson, Wilson, Wise, and Wood Counties (a detailed map can be viewed here) can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling a TWC Tele-Center between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week at 800-939-6631.


18 additional counties were added to the list on March 2. These counties can apply for Disaster Unemployment Services by

April 1, 2021.


The 18 additional counties include: Atascosa, Bandera, Brooks, Duval, Eastland, Ector, Goliad, Howard, Jim Hogg, Karnes, Kleberg, Leon, Llano, Newton, Robertson, Trinity, Webb, and Willacy Counties.


Individuals should specify that their applications are related to the damage caused by severe storms.


DUA, which is an unemployment insurance benefit made available especially for victims of disaster, is available to individuals who:

  • Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits, including Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Extended Benefits (EB), from any state, 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, or
  • 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.


To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed. Required documentation includes Social Security number, and documentation to support that you were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred or was about to start work or self-employment and could not do so due to the disater.


Applicants must mail in or fax all required documentation within 21 days from the date of the DUA application. Applicants can use our online submission portal, https://twc.texas.gov/uidocs to submit the proof of employment. Applicants can also mail or fax the information to: Texas Workforce Commission, P.O. Box 149137, Austin, TX, 78714-9137, or fax it to 512-936-3250.


Job seekers may visit local Workforce Solutions offices for access to job-search resources, job postings and training programs, as well as assistance with exploring career options, résumé and application preparation, career development and more. Customers also may connect with potential employers through TWC’s online job-search engine, by visiting WorkinTexas.com.

Success Story: Antionia – Rising Strong

February 27, 2026
When Antionia arrived for her first Job Connection class at the Workforce Solutions East Texas Longview office on August 5, 2025, she stepped inside with a mix of nerves and hope. As she entered the class, it was clear that she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching for a chance to begin again. At that time, Antionia was staying at the Hope Center in Longview. The shelter gave her safety, but she longed for something permanent, something steady. Despite the uncertainty in her life, she showed up with a fierce desire to rebuild. From the moment she sat down in class, it was clear she was ready to do the work. With guidance from staff, she created a polished resume, updated her Work in Texas profile, and explored job leads. Each task, whether big or small, became a stepping stone toward the future she envisioned. She held tightly to every piece of support, letting it become the steady light guiding her next steps. When she returned the following week, she carried herself differently—straighter posture, stronger voice, brighter eyes. Her determination had deepened. She reviewed applications, followed up on leads, and talked openly about her dream of finding stability and independence. She didn’t want a shortcut. She wanted a real path forward. During her visit, she also applied for a GAP warehouse position, a role that seemed perfectly aligned with her strengths and work ethic. Not long after, Antionia received the call she had been waiting for: she had landed a job interview. Excited but nervous, she sought help from her friends at Workforce Solutions East Texas. Her support team rallied around her, determined to help her make the most of the opportunity. By October, all her persistence paid off. Antionia shared the news with pride in her voice: she had been hired at GAP. But progress rarely comes without obstacles. A short time later, she discovered a mistake in her email address—one small typo that caused her to miss a crucial message from GAP. The realization hit her hard. After everything she had worked for, she feared she had lost her chance. Instead of shutting down, Antionia came back to the office immediately. Her resume was corrected, and LaShawn Crawford, a member of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Outreach team, contacted GAP’s HR team to explain the situation. After a brief conversation with LaShawn, the HR team was more than happy to resend the link for her new hire orientation. Relief washed over Antionia, and her determination to succeed grew even stronger. She walked out of the office with renewed confidence, ready for whatever came next. Within just three weeks, she earned a full-time position and began working overtime. Her supervisors saw what everyone who met her already knew, she was hardworking, dependable, and eager to grow. Her life began to shift. She moved out of the shelter and into a family member’s home while searching for her own apartment. With each passing day, she stepped closer to independence, to stability, to the life she had promised herself. Throughout her journey, Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford played a meaningful role. Reflecting on the experience, LaShawn shared, “To be a part of this life change is so fulfilling. This is what it’s all about—helping people find hope again.” Today, Antionia stands not as a reflection of the struggles she endured, but as a shining testament to resilience. She is thriving in her new job, rebuilding her life piece by piece, and proving each day that determination can transform even the hardest beginnings into stories of victory. She speaks with deep gratitude for the team at Workforce Solutions East Texas—their guidance, their encouragement, and the services offered freely and without hesitation. Above all, she credits the steadfast support of Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford. “LaShawn was very delightful and she helped me. I’ve come a long way and I just really appreciate LaShawn. She made sure I had what I need,” Antionia shared. She even credits LaShawn with helping her find the apartment she recently moved into, a milestone that symbolizes just how far she has come. "LaShawn referred me to the apartments and I love it. It's not perfect or fancy, but it's mine." Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope is real, change is possible, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to take that first step. And Antionia took that step; bravely, boldly, beautifully.

Igniting Futures: Jobs Y’all East Texas Career Exploration Fair Inspires 591 Students

February 26, 2026
On February 11, 2026, something powerful happened in Henderson, Texas. The Jobs Y’all East Texas Career Exploration Fair wasn’t just an event; it was a community coming together to invest in its future. With 35 employers representing a wide range of industries and 591 students from across the region, the day buzzed with energy, discovery, and meaningful connections. Students didn’t simply walk from booth to booth, they leaned in, asked questions, and began to imagine the paths their futures could take. Employers went beyond sharing information; they offered live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and full immersion into their fields This created opportunities for students to see the work firsthand. The result? Employers rated the experience 4.8/5, praising the students’ engagement and expressing confidence that many would be future applicants. Many also highlighted the thoughtful planning, organization, and the chance to showcase career pathways, certifications, and growth opportunities in their industries. Students, for their part, were fully engaged. They explored new industries, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered career options they hadn’t considered before. Representatives from the attending schools reported that students described the event as fun, inspiring, and interesting. As one educator from Carlisle High School said, “This was a great career fair. So well organized. Please do this again in the future!” The Career Exploration Fair was a true collaboration. Workforce Solutions East Texas proudly partnered with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, Kilgore College, Kilgore Independent School District, RootEd Alliance, Longview Economic Development Corporation, Henderson Economic Development Corporation, and Henderson Chamber of Commerce. Together, the team combined resources, relationships, and expertise to recruit employers, coordinate logistics, and ensure the event created real impact. Their shared goal was simple yet powerful: connect students to opportunity and strengthen East Texas’ future workforce. Events like this remind us why our work matters. The day’s energy and impact even drew coverage from KETK, highlighting the vital role of proactive workforce development and career education in our region. This event brought our vision to life: a thriving local economy powered by a skilled, inspired workforce. When students can see themselves in a career, hear real stories, and connect directly with professionals, the possibilities become tangible. That's when the doors to their future swing wide open. Keep an eye out for our next Jobs Y'all East Texas Career Exploration Fair coming soon!

TWC Launches New Initiative to Support Child Care Businesses

February 26, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is launching the Child Care Business Support initiative to strengthen the vital role that child care businesses play in our communities. Through this initiative, child care providers will gain access to expert guidance and training that will help them overcome challenges and more effectively support children and families across the state. “Texas child care businesses are a critical link in the workforce system, providing children with safe, nurturing environments while their families contribute to a strong Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Child Care Business Support initiative demonstrates TWC's commitment to helping child care providers manage their business needs, so they can continue offering the highest possible quality of care.” The initiative includes two types of support to promote the success of child care businesses: Business Coaching will help child care providers improve critical business operations, such as managing finances, marketing services, and supervising staff. Business Training will connect providers with experts in early childhood and adult learning for training sessions on important topics like financial planning, risk management, and effective communication with parents. “The Child Care Business Support initiative is a direct investment in our workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “By providing crucial business training, financial planning, and resources for employee retention to child care providers, we are strengthening the foundation for working families to thrive across Texas.” The Business Support initiative will be available to all licensed or registered child care programs in Texas. “Child care professionals are the critical, front-line leaders of early childhood education in Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “By providing the tools and support they need to successfully run a business, this initiative empowers them to focus on nurturing and educating our youngest Texans, preparing them to succeed in school and ultimately the Texas economy.” Child care providers can find more information on how to connect with TWC’s Child Care Business Support initiative by visiting https://texas-ccbs.learnworlds.com/ .
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