Florida Commerce has announced an extension for the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those affected by Hurricane Milton. This decision follows guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, which found that the application period should be prolonged according to federal law.
DUA is intended for individuals whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to Hurricane Milton and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. The assistance is available for unemployment weeks starting October 6, 2024, through April 12, 2025, provided the unemployment continues as a result of the disaster in designated areas. The new deadline to file a DUA claim is January 7, 2025.
Residents and businesses in numerous counties including Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee among others are eligible to apply. Additionally, certain requirements such as work search reporting and waiting week have been temporarily waived in FEMA disaster-declared counties.
Eligibility for DUA requires meeting specific conditions like being unemployed directly because of the disaster or having become unable to start scheduled employment due to it. Claims can be filed online at FloridaJobs.org or by contacting local CareerSource Career Centers.
Applications submitted after the deadline might be denied unless justified with good cause. Applicants must provide their Social Security number and evidence supporting their employment status when the disaster struck. All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from filing the application.