News Release: Disaster Unemployment Assistance

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2024) – Charlotte County businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Florida Commerce is accepting applications from eligible residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Milton are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

DUA is availableto those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:

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  • Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
  • Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as  a direct result of the major disaster;
  • Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and  is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
  • Has become the primary bread winner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
  • Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.

DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning October 6, 2024, through April 12, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 10, 2024.

To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim”, visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.

For recovery information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.

Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem. 

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