Assistance Listings

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Objectives

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program supports the National Preparedness Goal (NPG) Mission Area of Recovery and the specific capability target of Economic Recovery. The objective and goal of DUA is to provide temporary benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a Presidentially-declared major disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance (UI).

Examples of Funded Projects

Assistance Listing Description

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended, Section 410, Public Law 93-288, 42 U.S.C. 5177

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Accomplishments

Account Identification

70-0702-0-1-453

Types of Assistance

C - Direct Payments for Specified Use

Credentials and Documentation

FEMA Emergency Management and Assistance regulations 44 C.F.R. § 206.141 and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulations at 20 C.F.R. Part 625. FEMA and DOL have adopted 2 C.F.R. 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles for state implementation of DUA through the DOL Employment & Training Administration (ETA) DUA Handbook, which guides the program. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.

Applicant Eligibility

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, U.S. Territories (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), States, the District of Columbia The State Workforce Agency (SWA) applies for Disaster Unemployment Assistance funds to provide to eligible beneficiaries.

Beneficiary Eligibility

The (DUA) program provides weekly benefits and re-employment assistance services to individuals unemployed as a direct result of a presidentially-declared major disaster that includes Individual Assistance. Funds are used for benefit payments to individuals and administrative costs to states. DUA weekly benefits and re-employment assistance require proof of employment eligibility, proof of employment or self-employment to assist in determining a Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). Aliens must prove they are "qualified aliens" (as determined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)) in order to be eligible to receive a federal public benefit.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

DUA may be paid from the period beginning with the first week (as defined in state law) following the date the major disaster began, and extending up through, but no longer than, the 26th week following the Presidential major disaster declaration date. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Payment based on Project need. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Payment based on Project need.

Use of Assistance

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides weekly benefits and re-employment assistance services to individuals unemployed as a direct result of a presidentially-declared major disaster that includes Individual Assistance. Funds are used for benefit payments to individuals and project administrative costs to states. DUA weekly benefits and re-employment assistance require proof of employment eligibility, proof of employment or self-employment to assist in determining a Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). Aliens must prove they are "qualified aliens" (as determined by USCIS) in order to be eligible to receive a federal public benefit.

Deadlines

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.

Based upon the request of a state Governor or Tribal Governor/Chief, the President may declare a major disaster in the state. The state Governor or Tribal Governor/Chief will also submit a request for funding to the Department of Labor. Public announcements are made in the disaster area advising that DUA is available and providing information on how and when individuals can file for benefits.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not Applicable.

Award Procedure

FEMA provides funding to the Department of Labor, which administers the DUA program on FEMA's behalf. Individual applicants for DUA assistance must apply through their local SWA.

Date Range for Approval/Disapproval

In general, individual applications are approved or denied within 1 to 2 weeks. Generally, applications for DUA must be filed within 30 days after the date of the SWA announcement regarding availability of DUA. When applicants have good cause, they may file claims after the 30-day deadline. However, no initial application will be considered if filed after the 26th week following the declaration date.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Appeals

Appeals must be filed in accordance with DOL regulations at 20 C.F.R. Part 625.

Policy Requirements

Reports

Audits

Records

Record retention in accordance with DOL regulations at 20 C.F.R. Part 625.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

FEMA regulations at 44 C.F.R. § 206.8 and 44 C.F.R. § 206.141; DOL regulations at 20 C.F.R. Part 625; DOL ETA DUA Handbook; Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide 1.1.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Regional or Local Locations:

Headquarters Office: