CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey and WorkForce West Virginia today announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available to qualifying individuals who live or work in Lewis and Upshur counties and were impacted by the severe storms, straight line winds, tornadoes, flooding, and landslides that began on July 21. The assistance follows the Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Donald J. Trump on August 3. The disaster declaration number is DR-4932.
"Recovery doesn't end when the floodwaters recede," said Governor Morrisey. "We'll continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to make sure the people of Lewis and Upshur counties have the resources they need to recover. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is another important step in helping affected workers and businesses get back on their feet."
Individuals living or working in Lewis and Upshur counties who lost their job due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides may apply for DUA benefits. They are also available to self-employed workers, including farmers, who are usually not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits. Those who apply must provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and income tax forms, no more than 21 days after the application has been filed. Claims must be filed by October 2, 2026.
"Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) applies to losses incurred during the incident period of July 21, 2026 to July 22, 2026 for eligible people impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides," said Scott Adkins, Acting Commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia. "Full-time workers, part-time workers, and self-employed part-time individuals can be eligible for benefits. The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends February 6, 2027 as long as your unemployment or loss of self-employment continues as a result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis for each week you file your claim."
Unemployed individuals due to the July 21–22 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides must contact WorkForce West Virginia by sending an email to ucpolicy@wv.gov or by calling 304-558-3340 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Individuals eligible for DUA benefits include:
- Individuals who are unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster,
- Individuals who were to commence employment or self-employment but were prevented by the disaster,
- Individuals who became the breadwinner or major support for a household because of the death of the head of the household due to the disaster, and/or
- Individuals who cannot work or perform services in self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.
Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the unemployment resulted from:
- The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment,
- The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state, or local government in immediate response to the disaster, and/or
- Lack of work, or loss of revenues, if, prior to the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state, or local government.
In addition to helping file a DUA claim, WorkForce West Virginia offers reemployment services, including resume services, job search assistance, and job placement. For more information or to report fraud, call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).