“Direct result of a major disaster” means an immediate result of the disaster itself, not the result of a longer chain of events caused or worsened by the disaster.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance ( DUA ) provides unemployment benefits for individuals who lost their jobs or self-employment or who are no longer working as a direct result of a major disaster for which a disaster assistance period is declared, and who applied but are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. See the Eligibility section for details.

If you were affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The rules regarding Disaster Unemployment Assistance ( DUA ) do NOT always apply to those whose jobs or self-employment were affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

See our COVID-19 Resources Job Seekers and our Self-Employed Texans and the CARES Act web pages for more information.

Worker Protections During or After Natural Disasters

Employers may not discharge or discriminate against employees who evacuate under emergency evacuation orders. Employers who violate this provision are liable for any loss of wages or employer-provided benefits and must reinstate the employee to the same or equivalent position.

Emergency personnel and those who provide for the safety and well-being of the public are not covered by this law but their employer must provide them with adequate emergency shelter.

For more information, refer to Emergency Evacuation Discrimination.

DUA is Taxable Income