Disaster Unemployment Assistance
U.S. Department of Labor
What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance?
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a Presidentially declared major disaster.
Administration
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is administered by U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit your employment or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. You must have been determined not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or Federal law).
Payment will be made to an unemployed worker, who as a direct result of a Presidentially declared major disaster:
- No longer has a job.
- Is unable to reach their place of work.
- Cannot work due to damage to the place of work.
- Becomes the head of the household and is seeking work because former head of household died as a result of the disaster.
- Cannot work because of a disaster-incurred injury.
Application Details
What is the application process for Disaster Unemployment Assistance?
In the event of a disaster, the affected state will publish announcements about the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance. To file a claim, individuals who are unemployed as a direct result of the disaster should contact their State Unemployment Insurance agency. Individuals who have moved or have been evacuated to another state should also contact the state agency.
Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) must filed by an individual within 30 days of the announcement of the availability of DUA in the state. Individuals must follow the instructions in the announcement and file for DUA based on the filing methods used by the state (i.e. in person, mail, telephone, or internet).