Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program supports the National Preparedness Goal (NPG) Mission Area of Recovery and the specific capability target of Economic Recovery. The objective and goal of DUA is to provide temporary benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a Presidentially-declared major disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance (UI).

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, U.S. Territories (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), States, the District of Columbia
The State Workforce Agency (SWA) applies for Disaster Unemployment Assistance funds to provide to eligible beneficiaries.

The (DUA) program provides weekly benefits and re-employment assistance services to individuals unemployed as a direct result of a presidentially-declared major disaster that includes Individual Assistance. Funds are used for benefit payments to individuals and administrative costs to states. DUA weekly benefits and re-employment assistance require proof of employment eligibility, proof of employment or self-employment to assist in determining a Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). Aliens must prove they are "qualified aliens" (as determined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)) in order to be eligible to receive a federal public benefit.

Based upon the request of a state Governor or Tribal Governor/Chief, the President may declare a major disaster in the state. The state Governor or Tribal Governor/Chief will also submit a request for funding to the Department of Labor. Public announcements are made in the disaster area advising that DUA is available and providing information on how and when individuals can file for benefits.

FEMA provides funding to the Department of Labor, which administers the DUA program on FEMA's behalf. Individual applicants for DUA assistance must apply through their local SWA.

In general, individual applications are approved or denied within 1 to 2 weeks. Generally, applications for DUA must be filed within 30 days after the date of the SWA announcement regarding availability of DUA. When applicants have good cause, they may file claims after the 30-day deadline. However, no initial application will be considered if filed after the 26th week following the declaration date.