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.

Texas Annual Growth Rate Outpaces Nation as Labor Force Adds 15,800

October 27, 2026
Texas recorded a total of 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs after shedding 11,100 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 154,300 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,948,400 after adding 15,800 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 3,600 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “The addition of more than 154,000 jobs over the year reflects balanced growth across Texas industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Texas continues to outpace the nation because of innovative programs like Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, which are equipping students with skills that help businesses compete today and plan for tomorrow.” The Manufacturing industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 1,600 jobs over the month while Information added 1,400. “The 15.9 million Texans in our labor force drive our economy, and TWC is dedicated to fueling their success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through statewide initiatives like our annual Hiring Red, White & You! career fairs and the Texas HireAbility campaign, we are actively connecting Texans of all abilities with the critical training and resources they need to build prosperous, lifelong careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in September. It was followed by the Abilene, Amarillo, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo MSAs, which registered at 3.5 percent. “TWC is focused on ensuring that every Texan can find a rewarding career that allows them to contribute their unique skills and experiences to our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Initiatives like this month’s Texas HireAbility campaign help strengthen our communities and allow Texas businesses to tap into a dedicated and driven talent pool.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for September is scheduled to be released on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

TWC Kicks Off 15th Annual Veteran Hiring Initiative

October 26, 2026
This November, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is hosting the 15th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! event series. The series includes nearly 30 hiring events across the state from Nov. 2-20 to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to Texas employers. The local event in Tyler will take place on Nov. 10th at 1421 S. Beckham, Tyler, TX 75701, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. "Texas is the best place for veterans and military families,” said Governor Greg Abbott. "More than 1.4 million veterans call our great state home. Their skills and leadership make our economy stronger. These hiring events put their talents to work." "Texas is proud to be home to more than 1.4 million veterans, whose unmatched leadership, dedication, and technical skills make them invaluable assets to our state's economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Hiring Red, White & You! initiative is our way of thanking these brave men and women by directly connecting them with world-class career opportunities in Texas.” TWC partners on the events with Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), and the Texas Medical Center. “As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand the value veterans bring to the workplace,” said Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman Laura Koerner. “Hiring Red, White & You! creates important opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses across Texas. We’re grateful to the Governor, our friends at TWC, employers and all of our partners who work alongside us to serve those who served.” Since 2012, these free hiring events have connected more than 28,000 employers with 167,000 job seekers, including 56,157 active-duty military, transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses. Hiring Red, White & You! events have also resulted in more than 4,100 same-day hires. “Texas veterans and military spouses possess a world-class work ethic and diverse talents that are ready to be put to work today,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through the Hiring Red, White & You! event series, we are making sure our military community has the direct connections they need to find rewarding, high-demand careers that honor their service.” Employers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! at no cost and are encouraged to visit TWC’s Hiring Red, White & You page for more information. Through the WeHireVets initiative, TWC also recognizes businesses in which veterans make up at least 10% of the workforce. “Hiring a veteran is more than a way to honor their service—it's also a smart business decision that brings valuable skills and experience to the workplace,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Through programs like Hiring Red, White & You! and WeHireVets recognition, we are encouraging employers to tap into this highly skilled talent pool.” For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit twc.texas.gov/veterans .

Employers: Join East Texas’ Largest Hiring Event of the Year

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 6, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking employer partners for Hiring Red, White & You!, the local celebration of Texas’ statewide veterans hiring event. Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Tyler Workforce Center, 1421 S. Beckham Ave., Tyler. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the hiring event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hiring Red, White & You! connects employers with veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other qualified East Texas job seekers. It is an opportunity to meet candidates whose military experience often reflects leadership, adaptability, communication skills, and a strong commitment to service. This event is open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity to promote current openings and build your organization’s talent pipeline. Employer participation is available at no cost. Across Texas, Hiring Red, White & You! events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including more than 52,000 veterans. Employers who hire qualifying veterans may also be eligible for federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits of up to $9,600 per eligible hire. Reserve your employer space today by registering at www.EastTexasWorkforce.org/hrwy .
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