Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

What is DUA?  |  How to Apply |  Application Deadline

Have you lost work as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred April 13, 2026 through April 23, 2026? If you are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is available for eligible workers in Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago Counties and the Oneida Nation.

What is DUA?

DUA is a federally funded program under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act. The program provides unemployment benefits to those affected by a federally declared disaster as long as the individual does not qualify for regular state unemployment insurance and the individual is unemployed or partially unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.

Unlike regular unemployment, the DUA program also covers those who are self-employed and become unemployed because of the disaster. Note: Monetary loss due to property damage or crop damage does not automatically entitle an individual to DUA benefits.

How to Apply

All DUA applicants must first apply for regular UI benefits before being considered for DUA benefits. Individuals will not receive DUA benefits if they are eligible for regular UI benefits during this disaster.

1. Apply for UI

   Apply for UI

   • File as soon as possible by applying online at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.
   • You must first apply for regular unemployment benefits in your Claimant Portal by choosing "File Claim" and following the instructions.
   • Have the following information available:
     • Your Social Security number (SSN).
     • Your Wisconsin driver license or identification number (if you have one).
     • Your work history for the last 18 months, including:
       • Employers' business names.
       • Employers' addresses (including zip code).
       • Employers' phone number.
       • First and last dates of work with each employer.
       • Reason for no longer working with each employer.

2. Request DUA

   • From the "My UI Home" page of your Claimant Portal, choose "If you want to apply for DUA, click here." and request a DUA application be mailed to you.

3. Submit Documentation

   • You must provide proof of your employment, self-employment, or work that was to begin on or after the date of the disaster. Mail or fax proof of employment with your application or within 21 days after submitting your application. Mail to DUA, P.O. Box 7905, Madison, WI 53707 or fax to (608) 327-6171.
     • Acceptable proof includes:

       For Employment or Self-Employment

       • Copies of 2025 Federal Tax Forms (including the 1040, W-2 forms, and any schedules).
       • Pay checks and stubs.
       Work You Were Not Able to Start Because of the Disaster
       • A dated offer letter or email.

For help using online services, or if you are unable to go online, call the DUA Hotline at (608) 318-7100 Monday through Friday during business hours.

Application Deadline

If you live or work in Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago Counties and the Oneida Nation, the application deadline for the DUA program is Aug. 31. 2026.