TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – Florida residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if they lost their jobs or self-employment due to the storm.

This program is available for those who aren’t eligible for regular state or federal unemployment benefits.

Who is eligible?
  • Residents of designated disaster counties who lost work or self-employment due to Hurricane Helene.
  • Individuals who were scheduled to start work but couldn’t due to the hurricane.
  • Those unable to reach their workplace because of damage or road closures.
  • People who became the primary breadwinner after losing the head of household due to the disaster.
  • Individuals injured by the hurricane and unable to work.
Important Dates:
  • Disaster Unemployment benefits are available from September 29, 2024, to March 29, 2025.
  • Application deadline for most counties is December 2, 2024.
  • Gulf County deadline: December 3, 2024
  • Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Putnam, and Union Counties deadline: December 9, 2024
How to Apply:
  • Visit FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim.”
  • Visit your local CareerSource Career Center.
  • Call 800.385.3920 (general unemployment assistance)
  • Call 833.FLAPPLY (833.352.7759) for DUA claims specifically.
Required Documents:
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of employment or self-employment (check stubs, tax documents, etc.)
  • Documentation proving lost work due to the hurricane (may vary)
For more information:

Visit FloridaJobs.org or call the numbers provided.

Note: Applications after deadlines may be denied unless there’s good cause.