(South Carolina) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) have announced an extension of the registration period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for residents and business owners affected by Hurricane Helene. The new deadline for applications is now January 28, 2025.
The DUA program provides financial assistance to individuals who have become unemployed due to Hurricane Helene’s impact. This assistance is also available to self-employed individuals, small business owners, and 1099 contract workers who have experienced personal income loss as a direct result of the disaster.
Residents and business owners in the following 26 counties, including the Catawba Indian Nation, are eligible to apply: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified these areas as potentially eligible for disaster assistance covering the period from September 29, 2024, through April 5, 2025.
Eligible applicants may receive a minimum of $150 and up to a maximum of $326 per week in benefits. To qualify, individuals must meet one of the following criteria:
- Became unemployed as a direct result of the disaster and are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- Are self-employed or a small business owner who lost income due to the disaster.
- Were prevented from working due to a disaster-related injury.
- Became the primary household income provider following the disaster-related death or injury of the previous primary income provider.
- Are unable to reach their job or self-employment location due to disaster-related travel restrictions.
- Were scheduled to begin employment or self-employment but were prevented by the disaster.
Applicants will be required to provide proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster and other supporting documents. These can be uploaded directly through the MyBenefits Portal under the Documents tab.
For more information or to apply for DUA benefits, visit the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce’s website or contact your local unemployment office.
