Scott County added to Disaster Unemployment Assistance declaration

SCOTT COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Scott County, Virginia has been added to a Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) declaration after Hurricane Helene, bringing the number of program-eligible Virginia communities to 17.

According to a release Tuesday from the Virginia Employment Commission, the DUA program offers temporary financial assistance to those whose employment or self-employment was impacted by flooding brought by the hurricane.

Virginia communities covered by the DUA program include the following: Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties, and the cities of Galax and Radford.

“Eligible individuals, including business owners, seasonal workers, and self-employed individuals
who lost jobs or had work hours reduced due to the hurricane, may qualify for DUA,” the release states.

To be eligible for the program, a person must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits in any state. When an individual applies, the VEC says they must still be able, ready and willing to work, with the means to work. One exception is if an applicant suffered injuries directly linked to the disaster, the VEC said.

The VEC is accepting applications for the program until Dec. 2. If accepted, the DUA will cover losses from Sept. 25 and benefits may be paid through April 5, the release said.

Individuals can apply online at uidirect.vec.virginia.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm or https://www.vec.virginia.gov . Calls can also be made to VEC’s Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363.

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