Kentucky accepting applications for disaster unemployment assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals in 14 counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides starting Feb. 14, 2025.

Following President Donald Trump’s approval of an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration on Feb. 25, 2025, individuals in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, and Pike counties are eligible for individual assistance, including DUA.

An amendment added Estill, Johnson, and Simpson counties to the list on March 2, 2025.

To qualify for DUA benefits, individuals must have been living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted due to the disaster.

They can apply through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.

*Eligibility Criteria: *

* Worked or self-employed in the affected area
* Cannot work due to physical damage or destruction of the workplace
* Establish primary source of income was lost due to the disaster
* Do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits
* Cannot work due to injury caused by the disaster
* Became the breadwinner due to the death of the head of household

The deadline to apply for DUA is April 25, 2025. Affected individuals can call 502-564-2900 to file their initial claim.