Source: NC DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) & Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)?
DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments to people in a federally declared disaster area whose employment or income has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster. DES determines if claims filed under the program are valid and makes payments to those who qualify. Funds for DUA come from the federal government.

What makes me eligible for DUA?
Workers or business owners meeting the following criteria may be eligible for benefits:
• Individuals who are unemployed due to the disaster, and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits. If you are eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits, you must first exhaust those benefits before you are eligible for DUA.
• Self-employed individuals and small business owners who lost income due to the disaster.
• Individuals who were prevented from working due to an injury caused by the disaster.
• Individuals who have become the major supplier of household income due to the disaster-related death of the previous major supplier of household income.
• Individuals who are unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster.
• Individuals who were to commence employment or self-employment but were prevented from doing so by the disaster.

Can I receive DUA if I am self-employed?
If you live in or get most of your income from areas affected by the disaster, you may qualify.

Would I qualify as a self-employed farmer or commercial fisherman?
If you live in or get most of your income from areas affected by the disaster, you may qualify.

Can I earn income and still collect DUA as a self-employed farmer or commercial fisherman?
Yes, in some situations. For example, farmers who are involved in more than one aspect of farming, such as dairy and crops, may qualify for partial DUA payments.

Can I clean or salvage my business or farm while collecting DUA?
Yes. Salvaging or other limited self-employment activity alone will not necessarily make you ineligible for DUA.

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