FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for businesses and residents affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is intended for those whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their claims at FloridaJobs.org.
Applications for DUA are being accepted from residents and businesses in various counties, including Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwanee, Taylor, and Wakulla.
For Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene in FEMA disaster-declared counties, requirements such as work search reporting and Employ Florida registration have been temporarily waived. This waiver aims to expedite the application process for Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits.
The DUA is available to those unable to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits if they meet specific criteria related to the disaster. These include unemployment as a direct result of the hurricane or an inability to start scheduled employment due to the disaster's impact.
The assistance covers weeks of unemployment from September 29, 2024, through March 29, 2025. Claims must be submitted by December 2, 2024. Claims can be filed online at www.FloridaJobs.org by selecting “File a Claim,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center or calling 1-800-385-3920. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional information accessible via 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759).
Late applications will generally be denied unless good cause is shown. Applicants must provide their Social Security number and documentation supporting their employment status at the time of the disaster. Additional documentation may be required in some cases. All necessary documents must be submitted within 21 days from filing the DUA application.