If you lost work, or are self-employed and couldn't work because of Hurricane Irma, the deadline to apply for assistance has been extended.

  • Florida disaster unemployment assistance for Hurricane Irma victims
  • Must have lost work because of Hurricane Irma
  • Deadline to apply extended to Oct. 31

Floridians can apply for disaster unemployment assistance now through Oct. 31 with the Florida Dept. of Economic Opportunity.

The benefits are available to those who worked, were self-employment, or were scheduled to begin working or begin self-employment when the storm struck.

You must also have one or more of these factors:

  • Are not able to work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster
  • Cannot reach the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster
  • Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster
  • Or became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because the head of household died as a direct result of the disaster

You also must not qualify for regular unemployment benefits from any state.

Applicants must submit their Social Security number, any pay stubs and documentation to support their claims. 

Floridians can claim the unemployment for a time period between Sept. 10 and March 17, 2018, as long as the unemployment continues to be as a result of the disaster.

You can file an application by going to Florida Jobs.org, or calling 1-800-385-3920.

Also, if you are looking for work, FEMA is hiring temporary disaster assistance employees in a wide variety of fields to help in the recovery process. Head to FEMA.gov to find more information and to apply.