FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals affected by Hurricane Milton. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Impacted Floridians are encouraged to file a claim through FloridaJobs.org.
Applications for DUA are being accepted from residents and businesses in various counties, including Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miccosukee Indian Reservation, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk Putnam Sarasota Seminole St Johns St Lucie Sumter and Volusia.
Eligibility for DUA requires that individuals meet specific criteria: unemployment directly caused by the disaster; inability to start scheduled employment due to the disaster; inability to reach work because travel through an affected area is impeded; becoming the primary breadwinner after a household head's death due to the disaster; or being unable to work because of an injury resulting from the disaster.
The assistance covers unemployment weeks starting October 6th until April 12th of next year if unemployment continues as a result of Hurricane Milton in designated areas. Claims must be submitted by December 10th.
To apply for DUA benefits or seek further information on claims processing visit www.FloridaJobs.org select “File a Claim”, visit local CareerSource Career Centers or call 1-800-385-3920 during business hours Monday through Friday. For specific inquiries about DUA claims representatives can be reached at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759).
Late applications will generally be denied unless justified with good cause. Applicants need to provide their Social Security number check stubs and documentation supporting their employment status during the disaster period or evidence showing they could not commence work due to it. Additional documentation might also be necessary and should be submitted within 21 days from filing.