Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for workers impacted by storms

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on Friday announced that federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for eligible workers in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties due to severe storms and flooding last month.

Applications for the DUA program must be filed by Nov. 10.

Individuals may be eligible for DUA if they:

• Are an unemployed or self-unemployed worker whose unemployment was a direct result of the major disaster; 

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• Are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or authorized to work in the U.S.; 

• Are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state; 

• Have worked or were self-employed in, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment in, Milwaukee County, Washington County or Waukesha County; and

• Received their primary income from the work or self-employment they can no longer perform due to the disaster.

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All DUA applicants must first apply for regular UI benefits before being considered for DUA benefits. Individuals will not receive DUA benefits if they are eligible for regular UI benefits during this disaster. 

Monetary loss due to property damage or crop damage does not automatically entitle an individual to DUA benefits.

The first potential week payable for DUA benefits is the week ending Aug. 16, 2025.

Click here to apply online.