DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Strong storms have been racing across the US in the recent weeks leaving behind severe damage that may impact your business or employees’ access to your workplace. When events like these occur, it is possible that your state may apply for Federal assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may be a part of that recovery package.
DUA provides temporary benefits to people who lost employment or had their employment impacted because of a major disaster. This also includes individuals who are self- employed.
To qualify for DUA, individuals must meet both conditions below:
- Their job must have been lost or interrupted because of a presidentially declared disaster, and
- They must not be eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
If they lived, worked, or were scheduled to work in the declared disaster area, they may qualify for assistance if they meet any of the following conditions:
- No longer have a job or place to work.
- Can’t reach their job site.
- Can’t work because of damage to the job site.
- Were about to start a new job but, due to the disaster, the job no longer exists.
- Can’t work because of an injury caused by the disaster.
- Became the major support for a household because the head of household died due to the disaster.
Individuals must be available and able to work, unless they meet one of these two conditions:
- They have an injury caused by the disaster, or
- They are taking steps to return to self-employment.
ALASKA – DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA) APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
Residents within the City and Borough of Wrangell affected by the severe storm, landslides and mudslides that occurred on Nov. 20, 2023, may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits. The application deadline for these benefits has been extended from May 9, 2024, to June 10, 2024.
IOWA – DUA BENEFITS AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who were affected by severe storms that occurred beginning on April 26, 2024 in Iowa. Individuals who lived or worked in Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Individuals must file a claim online. Applications must be submitted by July 13, 2024.
NEBRASKA – DUA BENEFITS AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who were affected by the tornado outbreak that occurred on April 26, 2024 in Nebraska. Individuals who lived or worked in Washington and Douglas counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Individuals must first apply for regular benefits at NEworks.nebraska.gov. Applications must be submitted by July 2, 2024.
OHIO – DUA BENEFITS AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who were affected by the tornado outbreak that occurred on March 14, 2024 in Ohio. Individuals who lived or worked in Auglaize, Crawford, Drake, Delaware, Hocking, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Individuals must file for benefits by calling (877) 644-6562. Applications must be submitted by July 2, 2024.
RHODE ISLAND – DUA BENEFITS AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who were affected by severe storms and the resultant flooding that occurred on December 17-19, 2023 in Rhode Island. Individuals who lived or worked in Kent, Providence, and/or Washington Counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Individuals should apply online at Rhode Island’s UI Online website or by telephone at (401) 415-6772. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024.
MAINE – NEW OVERTIME RULES GO INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2024
The US Department of Labor recently issued the final rule Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees which will take effect on July 1, 2024. Maine law does not currently have an exemption from overtime for highly compensated employees, so beginning July 1, Maine will be enforcing the new federal rule, except for the exemption from overtime for highly compensated employees.
- The current minimum salary in Maine is $816.35 per week.
- The new minimum salary as of July 1, 2024, will be $844 per week.
- The new minimum salary as of January 1, 2025, will be $1,128 per week.
For more information, please visit Maine’s website.
