Recent wildfires in California have caused unprecedented devastation: lives lost, homes reduced to rubble, belongings destroyed, and families left without shelter. In response to this crisis, various forms of assistance have been made available, including a $450 disaster relief bonus for unemployed residents in affected areas.
Los Angeles has been among the hardest-hit cities, reporting 27 fatalities and significant property damage. In light of the emergency, the U.S. Employment Development Department (EDD) is offering financial aid to unemployed individuals impacted by the wildfires through the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program.
The DUA provides federal benefits to workers and self-employed individuals, with weekly payments ranging from $186 to $450 for up to 26 weeks. According to the EDD, “DUA is a federal program that offers financial assistance to unemployed workers and self-employed individuals directly affected by a major natural disaster.”
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the DUA benefits, individuals must meet the following criteria:
1. Unemployment Date: Applicants must have been unemployed since January 8, 2025.
2. Disaster Impact: Claimants must be victims of the California wildfires.
3. Employment in the Disaster Zone: Applicants must meet at least one of these conditions:
Worked or were self-employed in the disaster area.
Were scheduled to begin employment or self-employment in the affected zone.
Lost the ability to work due to physical damage or destruction of their workplace caused by the disaster.
Became the head of household due to a death caused by the disaster.
Sustained injuries directly caused by the disaster, preventing them from working.
Additionally, claimants must demonstrate that their primary source of income was derived from the work or self-employment affected by the disaster.
Benefit payments
DUA benefits consist of weekly payments calculated similarly to regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. The payments are based on wages earned during the most recent fiscal year before the applicant’s last date of work, as mandated by state UI law.
For most claimants, this means their earnings from the previous calendar year will determine the benefit amount. However, self-employed individuals may base their claims on net income from self-employment activities.
California residents impacted by the wildfires are encouraged to explore this program to ease the financial burden during recovery. For more updates and financial news, follow Solo Dinero on WhatsApp.
