Workers in Pike County have until March 17 to file initial claims for DUA to compensate for income lost as a direct result of the severe storms on January 12

Macon, GA – According to the state officials, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federal program established to help workers whose primary income is lost, or interrupted, as a direct result of a disaster declared by the President.

It differs from regular state unemployment insurance in that it provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, diversified farming operators, loggers, commission-paid employees, and others who are not eligible under the state’s program.
 
Applicants may be eligible for a weekly benefit of as much as $365 beginning the week of January 15.

Individuals in the authorized county who were directly affected by the severe storms must first apply for regular unemployment insurance on the Georgia Department of Labor website here or in person at any GDOL career center.

The GDOL will notify claimants if they are also eligible to file for DUA. Eligible claimants must apply for DUA no later than Friday, March 17, 2023.
 
When applying for DUA benefits, verification of income may be required. Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of earnings for the most recently completed tax year.

Acceptable proof of earnings includes copies of most recent completed income tax returns, copies of quarterly estimated income tax payment records, or similar documents.