Flood-Affected Workers Seek Unemployment Aid New Mexico Texas

Following severe flooding in New Mexico's Ruidoso area, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) is urging affected workers to apply for standard unemployment benefits while awaiting federal approval for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Applicants can apply online or at local America's Job Centers, with NMDWS providing support in job referrals and skills development. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott announced that workers and self-employed individuals in Kerr County impacted by Hill Country flooding are eligible for DUA under President Trump's disaster declaration, with applications accepted until September 4, 2025. The Texas Workforce Commission is facilitating the application process, emphasizing that DUA is for those who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits or do not qualify for them. Both states continue recovery efforts, with officials assuring affected residents that support will be available to help them regain employment and stability. Additional counties impacted by flooding may be included in disaster declarations, expanding eligibility for aid.