Houston Daily

Ten more Texas counties have been added to the federal disaster declaration following recent flooding, Governor Greg Abbott announced. The new counties are Edwards, Guadalupe, Kimble, Lampasas, McCulloch, Menard, Real, Reeves, Schleicher, and Sutton. Additional counties may be included later as assessments continue.

“I thank President Trump for approving these 10 additional counties for critical disaster assistance,” said Governor Abbott. “This approval will help Texas families and communities rebuild after the catastrophic floods that impacted so many Texans across our state. Workers and self-employed Texans in Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, and Menard counties can also now apply to receive crucial Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Texas will continue to work closely with local and federal officials to ensure every affected community has the resources and support they need to heal and rebuild.”

Four of the newly added counties—Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, and Menard—are eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance programs. The other six—Edwards, Lampasas, Real, Reeves, Schleicher, and Sutton—qualify for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Damage assessments in Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, and Menard show that these areas meet federal requirements for individual disaster assistance programs. These programs offer financial help for certain disaster-related expenses. Residents can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

For Edwards, Lampasas, Real, Reeves, Schleicher, and Sutton counties damage assessments also exceed criteria needed for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. This program helps with emergency work as well as repairs or replacement of public facilities damaged by disasters.

The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in Burnet, Kerr, Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties. People who lost work due to storm damage may qualify for DUA benefits if they live or work in those areas.

Applications must be submitted by September 4th through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applicants should indicate their claims are related to storms beginning July 2nd. Required documentation includes a Social Security number and proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster or plans to begin work disrupted by the flooding.

Proof of employment can be submitted using TWC’s online UI Submission Portal by selecting DUA Proof of Employment at Time of Disaster from the drop-down menu. Alternatively applicants can fax documents to (512) 322-2867 or mail them to Texas Workforce Commission Attn: DUA Proof P.O. Box 149137 Austin TX 78714-9137.

Governor Abbott continues efforts to provide resources as local officials respond to ongoing flooding impacts across Texas.