Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

What is DUA?   |  How to Apply  |  Application Deadline

Have you lost work as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and mudslides that occurred Aug. 9, 2025 through Aug. 12, 2025? If you are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is available for eligible workers in Milwaukee County, Washington County, and Waukesha County.

What is DUA?

DUA is a federally funded program under the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Act. The program provides unemployment benefits to those affected by a federally declared disaster as long as the individual does not qualify for regular state unemployment insurance and the individual is unemployed or partially unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.

Unlike regular unemployment, the DUA program also covers those who are self-employed and become unemployed because of the disaster. Note: Monetary loss due to property damage or crop damage does not automatically entitle an individual to DUA benefits.

How to Apply

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.

1. Apply for UI

   Apply for UI

   • File as soon as possible by applying online at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.
   • You must first apply for regular unemployment benefits in your Claimant Portal by choosing "File Claim" and following the instructions.
   • Have the following information available:
     • Your social security number (SSN).
     • Your Wisconsin driver license or identification number (if you have one).
     • Your work history for the last 18 months, including:
       • Employers' business names.
       • Employers' addresses (including zip code).
       • Employers' phone number.
       • First and last dates of work with each employer.
       • Reason for no longer working with each employer.
     • Your earnings from your most recent federal tax returns.

2. Request DUA

   • You will also need to return to your Claimant Portal at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov to request a DUA application.
   • The department is working to add this feature. Please check back regularly.
   • After this feature is added, from the "My UI Home" page of your Claimant Portal, choose "Disaster Unemployment Assistance" and follow the instructions to request a DUA application be mailed to you.

For help using online services, or if you are unable to go online, call the DUA Hotline at (608) 318-7100 during business hours.

Application Deadline

If you live or work in Milwaukee County, Washington County, or Waukesha County, your DUA application is due Nov. 10, 2025.