04-03-2025
Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits available for communities affected by storms and flooding in February 2025
WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) — Governor Morrisey and WorkForce West Virginia announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are available for communities affected by storms and flooding in February.
According to a press release, the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available for people in Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, and Mingo counties, which were named major disaster areas, due to flooding in the state in February 2025 was announced by Governor Morrisey and WorkForce West Virginia.
Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Trump for counties in West Virginia
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) applies to losses beginning the week of February 16 for eligible people impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides. Full-time workers, part-time workers, and self-employed part-time individuals can be eligible for benefits.
The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends August 30 as long as your unemployment or loss of self-employment continues as a result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis for each week you file your claim.
Scott Adkins | Acting Director of WorkForce West Virginia
People who live or work in the mentioned counties and lost their job because of the storms and aftermath of the storms can apply for federal unemployment benefits, however any claims will need to be filed before April 28, 2025. The disaster number is #DR-4861.
FEMA teams head to McDowell County
The benefits will be available to people who are self-employed, including farmers, who are not often included in unemployment insurance benefits. Individuals who apply for the DUA benefits will need to show proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and income tax forms, no more than 21 days after filing the application.
People who were unemployed due to the severe storms will need to contact WorkForce West Virginia by phone 304-558-3340 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or by email ucpolicy@
People who are eligible for DUA benefits include:
Those who are unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they need to travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster.
People who were to commence employment or self-employment but were stopped by the disaster.
Individuals who became the breadwinner or major support for a household because of the death of the head of the household due to the disaster.
Those who cannot work or perform services in self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.
Testing offered in McDowell County for well water affected by flooding
Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the unemployment was caused by:
The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment.
The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster.
Lack of work, or loss of revenues, if, before the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state or local government.
Not only does WorkForce West Virginia help file DUA claims, they also offer reemployment services, such as job search assistance, resume services, and job placement.
Additional information, or to report fraud, can be found by calling 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).
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