Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Claim Rights and Responsibilities
How do I know if I qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance?
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- First have filed for and been denied for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- You no longer have a job;
- Unable to reach your employer due to the tornados;
- Cannot work due to an injury as a result of the tornados;
- Are self employed (a farmer, a business owner, or otherwise) and your work cannot be performed due to the tornados; or
- Have become the sole income earner for your household because the head of household has died or become incapacitated due to the tornados.
How do I file Disaster Unemployment Assistance?
You must first file a claim for regular unemployment insurance benefits. You can file online using Uplink, Indiana’s online filing system by clicking the link on the upper right side of the web page that states “filing for unemployment.” This can be done from any internet-enabled computer. You can also visit your local WorkOne for assistance. If you receive a notice in the mail stating you are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits fill out the necessary forms online for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. (See the above criteria.) You can access these forms here, or at any WorkOne. There is a separate form for self-employed Hoosiers. This form can be taken to any WorkOne, faxed to (317) 233-1670, or mailed to:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
10 North Senate Avenue, RM SE 302
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Attn: DUA Claims
After you fax or mail your initial claim form, you must also file a weekly DUA voucher.
How do I file my weekly vouchers for DUA?
You will file your weekly vouchers for DUA by filling out the form “Weekly Request for Assistance.” This form can be accessed online here, or at any WorkOne. You can take this form to any WorkOne. It can also be faxed to (317) 233-1670 or mailed to:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
10 North Senate Avenue, RM SE 302
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Attn: DUA Claims
Why do I have to apply first for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits?
The federal government requires DWD to process your request for regular UI before processing the DUA request. You will receive a denial letter in the mail for regular UI before receiving a notice regarding your DUA. If you filed for both regular UI and DUA you will first receive a letter regarding regular UI.
How soon will I know the status of my claim?
Your claim will receive the highest priority and will be processed in our Indianapolis office as soon as it is received. You can check the status of your regular UI claim by logging onto Uplink, Indiana’s online filing system or by calling 1-800-891-6499. If you qualify for DUA, you will first receive a letter of denial in the mail for regular UI, then a notice of approval for DUA.
How will I receive my benefits?
DWD pays benefits to a Visa© debit card. This card can be mailed to whatever address you specify, such as a P.O. Box, a friend or relative’s house or your local WorkOne. Your Visa© debit card will be sent as soon as your claim is processed.
How much can I collect weekly in regular UI benefits?
If you qualify and have filed the necessary forms on a weekly basis, the minimum you can collect is $50.00 per week and the maximum is $390.00 weekly. The amount is based on your previous earnings. You can find more information about benefits on DWD’s website, www.in.gov/dwd, under “Unemployment for Individuals.”
How much can I collect in weekly DUA benefits?
If you qualify and have filed the necessary forms on a weekly basis, the maximum you can collect is $390.00. The amount of payment is based on your previous earnings or your self employed earnings.
Can I be denied for DUA benefits?
Yes, if you are still able to go to work, but take time off to deal with personal items affected by the tornados you are not eligible for benefits. There are other scenarios that may result in denial of DUA. In addition, if you qualify for regular UI, you will not receive DUA.
Do I have to wait a one week before receiving DUA like I do with regular UI?
No, the one week waiting period only applies to regular UI.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Forms
Stay Connected
To get the Hot Jobs for Today
widget on your site, click here.
