FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is aimed at 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. Affected Floridians are encouraged to file claims at FloridaJobs.org.
The agency is currently accepting DUA applications from residents and businesses in multiple counties, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Suwanee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla.
In response to the disaster declaration by FEMA for certain counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, FloridaCommerce has temporarily waived work search reporting requirements along with waiting week and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims. This waiver is intended to expedite the process of applying for Reemployment Assistance and DUA benefits.
To qualify for DUA benefits an individual must be unable to access other forms of reemployment assistance and meet one of several criteria related to unemployment caused directly by the disaster. These include being unemployed due to the disaster itself or becoming unable to start a job because of it.
The available assistance covers unemployment from September 29th through March 29th next year provided that the unemployment remains a direct result of the disaster in designated areas. Claims should be submitted no later than December 2nd except in Gulf County where the deadline is December 3rd; while in Alachua Baker Bradford Collier Duval Putnam and Union Counties it extends until December 9th.
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 during business hours Monday through Friday. For more information on DUA claims individuals may call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759).
Late applications will be deemed untimely unless justified with good cause potentially leading to denial of benefits. Applicants need to provide their Social Security number pay stubs proof of employment status prior to the disaster or evidence showing inability to begin work due to its impact. All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from filing date.