Columbia, South Carolina: Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents
As of October 10, 2024, a breath of relief is on the way for folks in South Carolina hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Governor Henry McMaster and William Floyd from the Department of Employment and Workforce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available for those living or working in 26 counties. This is fantastic news for many who have been struggling due to the impact of the hurricane!
Which Counties Can Benefit?
The newly added counties include Chester, Kershaw, and Orangeburg, joining an already long list that covers areas like Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, and more. In total, residents from the following counties are eligible:
- 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
- York
Additionally, individuals working or living within the Catawba Indian Nation are also included!
Why DUA Is So Important
What does this mean for you? Well, this program is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to people who have lost their jobs because of the hurricane, which began affecting South Carolina on September 25. It’s not just for traditional employees, either—the DUA program also helps small business owners and self-employed individuals, including those who earn income through contracts (1099 workers).
Application Process Made Easy!
If you’re someone who has found themselves unemployed due to Hurricane Helene, you can easily apply for DUA through the MyBenefits Portal available at dew.sc.gov. Simply navigate to the first circle on the homepage to get started. It’s straightforward and user-friendly! If you need a bit more guidance, don’t hesitate to call 866-831-1724 for assistance. They’re there to help!
Deadlines to Keep in Mind
Now, if you’re in Abbeville, Allendale, Hampton, Chester, Kershaw, Jasper, McCormick, Orangeburg, Richland, or York counties, remember that the deadline to apply is December 9. The other counties have an earlier cut-off of December 2. It’s very important to keep these dates in mind, as any applications submitted after these deadlines may not be accepted. Don’t miss your chance to get the support you need!
What to Prepare?
When applying, be prepared to submit documentation proving your employment or self-employment during the disaster period. You can easily upload these documents through the MyBenefits Portal, making it a smooth process.
Financial Support That Really Helps
People who qualify can receive a minimum of $150 up to $326 per week through DUA benefits. This financial support can be a game-changer for many families trying to recover and get back on their feet.
So, if you’ve found yourself affected by the hurricane, do take a moment to explore your options. It’s crucial to stay informed and ensure you get the assistance you may need during this challenging time. Together, South Carolinians are resilient and will overcome this hurdle!
