Applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
You have 30 days after the announcement date of the major disaster to apply for benefits. For Florida residents
impacted by Hurricane Michael, the last date to apply is November 14th, 2018.
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.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible for DUA if, as a direct result of the disaster:
- You became unemployed.
- You are unable 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.
- You have become the primary breadwinner due to the death of the head of household
The following information is required when filing:
- Social Security number.
- Alien registration number and expiration date (non-U.S. citizen).
- Name and address of employer affected by the disaster.
- If self-employed, you must have proof of self-employment, including, but not limited to:
State or federal tax returns
Financial statements
Bank records of accounts or 1099 Forms
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.
How to Apply
Online:
1. Go to Floridajobs.org.
2. Select CONNECT Claimant button top right corner of page.
3. Select File a New Claim for first time users or Login for return users.
Telephone:
• To file for DUA, call 1-800-385-3920.
• For general information about Reemployment Assistance, call 1-800-204-2418.
• Phone hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
