Residents in Missouri who found themselves jobless due to the destructive bouts of weather last month have a lifeline. Following the approval of Governor Mike Kehoe's request for federal disaster aid, those affected by the May 16 calamity can now look to Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for financial support. According to a release from the Missouri Department of Labor, this aid caters to individuals in Scott and St. Louis Counties, and the City of St. Louis whose jobs were disrupted or lost as a direct result of the severe weather events. The DUA program extends beyond traditional unemployment insurance, reaching those who would typically be ineligible.
In a statement obtained by the Missouri Department of Labor, Department Director Anna Hui highlighted the importance of such assistance in the aftermath of disaster: “A critical part of recovering from disasters such as these, is the ability to continue to provide for our families and take care of their needs.” Through DUA, eligible residents can access up to 30 weeks of aid, offering some financial stability as the affected communities work towards recovery.
The window for filing a DUA claim began immediately following President Trump's disaster declaration and will remain open through August 8. The program assesses eligibility on a week-to-week basis, tying the benefits closely to the ongoing impact of the disaster on individual employment situations. Eligible claimants must meet a handful of criteria, including having their unemployment directly caused by the disaster, not qualifying for regular unemployment benefits, and having worked in the declared disaster areas.
Those seeking assistance are expected to provide evidence of employment or self-employment at the time of, or prior to, the disaster. This proof must accompany the initial DUA claim or be submitted within 21 days of filing. The Department of Labor further elaborates that applicants will need to submit their Social Security Number, and details of their last or prospective employer to process the claim. The procedure, while necessary, stands as a testament to the bureaucracy that often intertwines with disaster relief efforts.
For more information on the DUA benefits and how to file a claim, residents can visit the Missouri Department of Labor's website or contact the Division of Employment Security.
