CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Workers who had their employment impacted by the August floods in West Virginia may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey and WorkForce West Virginia have announced those benefits are available to qualifying residents in Kanawha, Fayette and Harrison counties.
Those three counties are under a federal disaster declaration in connection with flooding that took place from Aug. 14-18.
“Our commitment to West Virginia families doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede,” Morrisey said in a news release. “We’re working with our federal, state, and local partners to make sure those affected by these storms have the resources they need to recover. Disaster Unemployment Assistance will help workers, small business owners, and their families get back on their feet.”
The deadline to file a claim is Dec. 7.
“Disaster Unemployment Assistance applies to losses incurred during the incident period of Aug. 14, 2026, to Aug. 18, 2026, for eligible individuals impacted by these severe storms and flooding,” WorkForce West Virginia Acting Commissioner Scott Adkins said. “Full-time workers, part-time workers, and self-employed individuals can be eligible for benefits. The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends April 10, 2027, as long as your unemployment or loss of self-employment continues as a direct result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis for each week filed.”
Individuals unemployed due to the August severe storms and flooding must contact WorkForce West Virginia by emailing ucpolicy@wv.gov or calling 304-558-3340 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.