FRANKFORT, Ky. — The state will now accept applications for Disaster Unemployment Insurance for people in qualifying counties who lost work or are unable to work due to the severe storms May 21 to 27, the Office of Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday. The deadline to apply for DUA benefits is Oct. 9.
The 15 qualifying counties are Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren and Whitley, according to a news release from the governor’s office. DUA unemployment benefits will cover weeks of unemployment spanning from May 26 to Jan. 25, 2025, as long as the cause of unemployment relates to the natural disasters.
People who lived or worked in one of the affected counties — which President Joe Biden gave a Major Disaster Declaration on July 23 — can apply for the DUI through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance online or call 502-875-0442 to file their initial claim.
People who file for DUA must provide their most recent federal or state income tax forms or check stubs, a bill that confirms their address during the disaster, and a photo ID. Applicants have 21 days to submit the documentation from the day they file their DUA application, the release said.
Farmers and other self-employed people who do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance may qualify for DUA. People who are unable to work due to damage or closure of their workplace relating to the disaster, cannot work due to an injury caused by the disaster, or became the primary earner for their household as a direct result of the disaster may qualify for DUA. Read the full eligibility requirements online.