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Hurricane Ike - Important Information

Unemployment Insurance or Disaster Unemployment Assistance | Helpful Resources | Press Releases | Temporarily Relocated Workforce Center

Employment Discrimination for Participating in Emergency Evacuation | Report Fraud

To File for Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

• Please file for regular benefits online at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html. You must file for regular benefits before filing for DUA.
• If you cannot file online, call one of the Tele-Center phone numbers listed below, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Central Time).

People who worked in Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties who are out of work due to storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Ike may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and/or Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Hurricane Ike Disaster-Related Unemployment Benefits Flyer (PDF)

Helpful Resources

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Hurricane Recovery Services - US Government Web Portal
• View Hurricane Ike Clean-up, Recovery and Rebuilding Jobs
  (Enter "IKE" in the Employer Name field)
• IRS Form to Request Proof of Wages/Earnings
  
  To obtain proof from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of prior income/earnings, provide the following information on IRS Form 4506-T (PDF) and send to the IRS.
  
  
  1. Complete lines 1a-4.
  2. Complete line 5 with the address of the third party for the transcript to be sent to that address.
  3. Enter the appropriate tax form (usually Form 1040) on line 6
  4. Check box 6a for return transcript.
  5. Complete line 9 for the tax years requested.
  6. Sign 4506-T.
  7. Write the appropriate disaster designation, such as "HURRICANE IKE," in red letters across the top of the forms to expedite processing
  8. Fax to 859-669-3592 or mail to RAIVS TEAM, PO Box 145500 Stop 2800F, Cincinnati OH 45250
  
  The anticipated response time is 24-48 hours from IRS receipt of the fax. Mail time will increase the response time.

Press Releases

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Approaching for Workers in 34 Counties Affected by Hurricane Ike (PDF)
Hurricane Ike Disaster Aid Deadline Extended to December 12 (PDF)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Approaching for Workers in 34 Counties Affected by Hurricane Ike (PDF)
Hurricane Ike Disaster Aid Deadline Extended (PDF)
Hurricane Disaster Aid Available for Five Additional Counties (PDF)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Approaching for Workers in 29 Counties Affected by Hurricane Ike (PDF)
TWC Continues Extended Call Center Hours due to Hurricane Ike (PDF)
Message from TWC Commissioners: Labor Code Addresses Emergency Evacuation Orders (PDF)
TWC Receives Approval for $15.9 Million in Federal Funds for Hurricane Ike Disaster Relief Employment (PDF)
TWC Expands Call Center Hours due to Hurricane Ike (PDF)
Hurricane Disaster Aid Available for 29 Texas Coastal Counties (PDF)

Temporarily Relocated Workforce Center

Employment Discrimination for Participating in Emergency Evacuation

Texas Employers and Texas Workers should be aware of the requirements of Chapter 22 of the Texas Labor Code regarding employment discrimination for participation in an emergency evacuation. This chapter of the Texas Labor Code prohibits an employer from discharging or in any other manner discriminating against an employee who leaves the employee's place of employment to participate in a general public evacuation ordered under an emergency evacuation order. An employer who violates this chapter of the Texas Labor Code is subject for any loss of wages, any loss of employer-provided benefits and is required to reinstate any employee discharged in violation of Chapter 22 of the Texas Labor Code. Emergency services personnel, including fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and other individuals who are required, in the course and scope of their employment to provide services for the benefit of the general public in emergency situations are exempt from this chapter of the Texas Labor Code.

Inquiries concerning possible discrimination under this provision of the Texas Labor Code should be made to the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, 1117 Trinity St., Room 144T, Austin, Texas 78778. Telephone: 512-463-2642, 888-452-4778 (Toll-Free in Texas), 512-371-7473 (TTY), Fax 512-463-2643.

Report Fraud Involving State Resources including Funds Provided by the State of Texas to Aid Victims of Hurricane Ike:

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Fraud and Program Abuse Hotline (800) 252-3642 is available to individuals who wish to report suspected fraud, waste, or program abuse in any TWC programs. For more information, visit http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/uifraud.html

In addition, the State Auditor's Office (SAO) investigates allegations of misuse and/or illegal acts involving state resources. To report fraud, waste, or abuse occurring at a Texas state agency, college, or university call the SAO Hotline at 1-800-TX-AUDIT (892-8348) or visit http://www.sao.state.tx.us

Persons who report fraud may choose to remain anonymous.