Washington LawHelp

Should I read this?

Yes, if both these are true:

• A natural disaster hit your town.

• It caused you to lose your job (or caused your employer to reduce your hours).

What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)?

After a federal disaster, state agencies can administer this program. In Washington, you apply to the Employment Security Department for DUA.

Am I eligible for DUA?

Yes, if both of these are true:

• You are unemployed (or your employer reduced your hours) for a reason directly related to the disaster.

• You are not already getting or eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

Examples of being unemployed because of a disaster:

• The disaster injured you.

• The disaster damaged your workplace.

• The disaster made your work commute impossible.

• You became the head of your household because of a death caused by the disaster.

• The disaster kept you from starting a new job.

You can be eligible for DUA even if you are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.  This is true even if:

• You are self-employed.

• You could have started working but for the disaster.

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