Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program

If you are unemployed because of a major disaster, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) can help. See if it's available, if you qualify and how to apply.

About DUA

DUA benefits may provide financial help if you:

  • Lose or experience interruptions in employment or self-employment because of the disaster, and

  • Do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. You need to have applied for unemployment benefits and not qualified before you can apply for DUA.

The U.S. Department of Labor oversees the program in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program is administered by state unemployment agencies, such as the Employment Security Department.

Please note that it is unlawful to receive DUA benefits and Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits at the same time.  

No DUA currently available

Currently the federal government has not activated national disaster support resources for any areas in Washington state. Whenever DUA is activated, we will publish information about the specific disaster, disaster timeframe, areas included in the declaration and how to apply.