Helping Workers Whose Jobs Have Been Affected by Natural Disasters

Overview

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a program which provides temporary income to eligible individuals who become unemployed as a result of a major disaster. It is funded by the federal government, not by state unemployment taxes paid by employers. Disaster Unemployment Assistance does not apply to those whose employment was affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Visit dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits for more information. 

Major Disaster

A “major disaster” is a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, earthquake, drought, ice conditions, fire or other catastrophe. The President declares a major disaster and makes funds available. The benefit period is 26 weeks from the Sunday following the date the major disaster began. The Nebraska Department of Labor will announce the 30-day benefit application period. You must file your DUA claim during this 30-day period.