Disaster Unemployment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance?
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides assistance to individuals whose employment has been either lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster, as declared by the President of the United States.
Am I eligible for DUA?
You may be eligible if you lived or worked in a disaster declared county and as a direct result of the disaster one or more of the following occurred: you became unemployed, you are not able to reach your place of employment, you cannot work due to an injury, you were scheduled to begin work but no longer have a job or you became the primary breadwinner due to the death of the head of household.
How do I file a claim?
You can file your claim online at www.floridajobs.org, to complete an application in CONNECT or by calling 1-800-385-3920. You must file for regular Reemployment Assistance (RA) benefits before filing for DUA. During the application you will be asked if you were impacted by the disaster. Your RA claim will then be determined for eligibility. If you are determined ineligible or your regular RA benefits have been exhausted, you will then be prompted in CONNECT to file a DUA application.
application.
What should I keep in mind when filing a DUA claim?
You must report all earnings weekly. If you are paid by your employer during your absence from work or if you return to work, you must report these earnings on your weekly request for payment. Vacation pay must also be reported on your weekly request for payment.
Proof of employment at the time of the disaster is required within 21 days of filing the DUA application. You can fax the required documents to 1-800-222-7934 or mail them to DUA Unit P.O. Box 5350 Tallahassee, FL 32314. Your personal income tax return (Federal Form 1040 and attachments) or other proof of employment (e.g. 1099) and wages you earned in calendar year 2017 may also be requested.
How many weeks can I receive?
If you are eligible for DUA you will be paid weekly benefits in accordance with federal and state regulations. The DUA benefit duration typically lasts up to 26 weeks.
How long will it take before I receive my benefits?
DUA benefits are payable once proof of employment and wages are received, verified and determined that your unemployment was a direct result of the disaster. Benefits can be held up to 21 days until all required documentation is received. Each claim must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to ensure a determination is made as quickly as possible in your time of need.
