Special Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may be available in some situations to workers who are unable to work as a result of a natural disaster (flood, storm, earthquake, drought, etc.) or other catastrophe.

In order to qualify, the President of the United States must first make a declaration of Individual Assistance and define the disaster area. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announces the filing period and issues filing instructions.

Funds for this program are provided by the federal government and do not come from the employer payroll taxes used to finance regular unemployment insurance benefits.

DUA benefits are not payable to individuals who are entitled to regular unemployment insurance benefits or waiting week credit.

Payment of DUA will be made to an unemployed worker or a self-employed individual who lived, worked, or was to begin work in the disaster area at the time it occurred and meets one of the following:

1. As a result of the disaster
   1. No longer has a job
   2. Cannot reach the place of work
   3. Cannot perform work due to damaged premises or equipment
   4. Is unable to work because of an injury caused by the disaster
   5. Becomes the head of the household and is seeking work because the former head of the household died as a result of the major disaster.

Application for DUA must be made within 30 days, beginning with the first day following the State announcement of the availability of the DUA. The benefit amount is based on the individual's earnings. The assistance period is effective the Sunday after the disaster occurred and ends 26 weeks after the date the disaster is declared.

To file a claim for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, call your Regional Claims Center or call 1-800-788-4002 for more information. You will need your Social Security Number, and may need your W-2 form, check stubs or a copy of your most recent federal income tax forms to file.