Disaster unemployment aid available after Hurricane Isaias
Disaster unemployment assistance applications are open through Dec. 28 for eligible workers, including self-employed individuals, affected by Hurricane Isaias in eight Panhandle counties.
Floridians whose jobs or self-employment were lost or interrupted by Hurricane Isaias may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, FloridaCommerce announced. The deadline to apply is Dec. 28.
Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund: There When You Need It
The assistance is available to eligible individuals in eight Panhandle counties: Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington. Applicants must be ineligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits, and their unemployment must be a direct result of the hurricane.
For self-employed Realtors® whose ability to work was disrupted by the storm, the program offers a potential source of financial help. Eligibility depends on meeting the disaster-related requirements and providing documentation supporting the claim.
According to FloridaCommerce, individuals may qualify if they:
- Became unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.
- Were scheduled to begin working but could not start because of the disaster.
- Cannot reach their job or self-employment location because the disaster prevents travel through an affected area.
- Became their household’s primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the disaster.
- Cannot work because of an injury directly caused by the disaster.
Benefits are available for qualifying weeks of unemployment beginning Oct. 11, 2026, through May 1, 2027, as long as the unemployment continues to result from the disaster in the designated areas.
Applicants must provide their Social Security number, check stubs and documentation showing they were employed or self-employed when the disaster occurred. Those who could not begin planned employment or self-employment must provide evidence supporting that claim. Additional documentation may be required.
All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days after the application is filed.
To apply, visit FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim.” Applicants can also visit a local CareerSource Career Center or call 800-385-3920 for disaster unemployment claims information. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Applications submitted after Dec. 28 may be denied unless the applicant provides good cause for filing late.
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