Following the recent tropical storm, parts of Tennessee are starting to rebuild their lives. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has announced that federal aid is now available for workers affected by the storm. Residents in eight counties can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), thanks to help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Residents of Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties have until December 2 to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Applications will open at 6:00 p.m. CST on October 3, offering financial relief for those whose jobs were impacted by the storm. The disaster period, which began on Sunday, will last until April 5, 2025, reflecting the long recovery process ahead.
DUA offers financial support for people who have either used up their regular unemployment benefits or didn’t qualify for them. It's for those who can prove their work or workplace was directly affected by Tropical Storm Helene. To be eligible, applicants must have been employed or self-employed in the disaster area and are now unable to work due to the storm’s damage.
Applicants must act fast and have the required documents ready. Within 21 days of applying for DUA, individuals need to provide their Social Security number, recent federal tax return or paycheck stubs, and proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster. All documents must be mailed or faxed, with fax lines preparing for the rush of applications.
Local American Job Centers are offering various services to help people get back to work, including job-search assistance, training programs, resume help, and career development. Jobs4TN.gov is also a key resource for finding new job opportunities. These efforts aim to support both financial stability and career rebuilding.