October 16, 2026 Governor Morrisey Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Fayette, Harrison, and Kanawha Counties ...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey and WorkForce West Virginia today announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to qualifying individuals who live or work in Fayette, Harrison, and Kanawha counties and were affected by severe storms and flooding from August 14 through August 18, 2026. The assistance follows the federal Major Disaster Declaration approved October 7, 2026.

"Our commitment to West Virginia families doesn't end when the floodwaters recede," said Governor Morrisey. "We're working with our federal, state, and local partners to make sure those affected by these storms have the resources they need to recover. Disaster Unemployment Assistance will help workers, small business owners, and their families get back on their feet."

Individuals who lost their jobs or had their work interrupted as a direct result of the storms and flooding may qualify for DUA benefits. Assistance is also available to eligible self-employed workers, including farmers, who are typically not covered by regular state unemployment insurance.

The deadline to file a claim is December 7, 2026. Applicants must provide proof of past earnings, such as business records, bank statements, or recent tax forms, no later than 21 days after filing their application.

"Disaster Unemployment Assistance applies to losses incurred during the incident period of Aug. 14, 2026, to Aug. 18, 2026, for eligible individuals impacted by these severe storms and flooding," said Scott Adkins, acting commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia. "Full-time workers, part-time workers, and self-employed individuals can be eligible for benefits. The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends April 10, 2027, as long as your unemployment or loss of self-employment continues as a direct result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis for each week filed."

Individuals unemployed due to the August severe storms and flooding must contact WorkForce West Virginia by emailing [email protected] or calling 304-558-3340 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Individuals eligible for DUA benefits include:

• Individuals who are unable to reach their place of employment or self-employment because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster.
• Individuals who were scheduled to commence employment or self-employment but were prevented from doing so by the disaster.
• Individuals who became the breadwinner or major financial support for a household due to the death of the head of household caused by the disaster.
• Individuals who cannot work or perform self-employment services due to an injury directly caused by the disaster.

Unemployment is considered a direct result of the major disaster if it resulted from:

• The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment.
• The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to closure by federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster.
• A loss of revenue or work if, prior to the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received a majority of its income from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged, destroyed, or closed by government authority.

In addition to processing DUA claims, WorkForce West Virginia provides comprehensive re-employment services, including resume assistance, job search support and placement services.

For more information or to report fraud, call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).

The federal disaster declaration number is DR-4953.