NR No. 25-09
Contact: Loree Levy/Greg Lawson
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — Los Angeles County workers, business owners, and self-employed people affected by the California firestorms now have until Monday, March 31, 2025, to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Small businesses and workers also have until Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to apply for direct financial support from the Los Angeles Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds.
Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
The deadline has been extended for Los Angeles (LA) County workers affected by the California firestorms to apply for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
The new deadline to apply for DUA is Monday, March 31, 2025. The Employment Development Department (EDD) which processes the DUA claims received notification from the U.S. Department of Labor of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s approval to extend the deadline from the original March 10 date.
DUA is for workers—such as self-employed people—who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits and lost their jobs or had hours reduced because of the disaster. Applications after the March 31 deadline may be accepted if the applicant has good cause to submit a late application.
The fastest and easiest way to apply for benefits is through myEDD, and then select UI Online, which is available in English, Spanish, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. When applying online, workers can select direct deposit to have benefit payments automatically deposited into a personal bank account rather than by a mailed debit card or check.
Impacted workers should check the box on the application for unemployment benefits that asks if their unemployment is a direct result of a recent disaster.
All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed. Required documentation includes the most recent federal income tax form, check stubs, or other documentation to support that the applicant was working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. Documentation for the self-employed can be obtained from banks, government entities, or affidavits from individuals having knowledge of their business.
EDD has dedicated phone lines available for workers affected by the fires who have questions about unemployment benefits or need help applying for DUA:
- English: 1-833-998-2284
- Spanish: 1-855-964-0634
- Other languages: 1-800-300-5616
Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time), Monday through Friday, except on California state holidays.
EDD representatives are also available to help in person at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) and at local America’s Job Center of California locations.
Upcoming Deadline for Los Angeles Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds
Also available through the DRCs, other offices, or online for those affected by the fires is cash assistance made available through the Los Angeles Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds.
In partnership with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the funds support small businesses, nonprofits, and workers affected by the devastating January 2025 firestorms. They have until Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to apply for direct financial relief. The Relief Funds have two grant options available:
- Small Business Relief Fund: Provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for businesses and nonprofits that experienced structural damage, inventory loss, or revenue loss. Open to businesses with annual revenue up to $6 million and fewer than 100 employees.
- Worker Relief Fund: Provides $2,000 in direct cash assistance to workers who lost employment or income due to the wildfires. Eligible applicants must have been employed or self-employed (including domestic workers) in Los Angeles County at the time of the disaster.
To apply, visit laregionfund.lacounty.gov.
Representatives are available to help in person at: