BREAKING NEWS: Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Extended for Kentuckians Impacted by April Storms

Published by TNW News | June 4, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced today that the federal deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to July 25, 2025, giving more time for residents impacted by the April 2nd storms to file for relief.

This extension applies to individuals in counties designated for Individual Assistance under FEMA Disaster Declaration DR-4864-KY. These severe weather events included tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides, leaving a wide trail of destruction across the Commonwealth.

✅ Who Is Eligible?

Individuals who lived or worked in the affected counties and became unemployed or had their work interrupted due to the disaster may qualify. This includes:

• Employees or self-employed individuals whose work was directly disrupted
• Those who can no longer access their workplace
• New breadwinners due to the disaster-related death of the household’s primary supporter
• Those injured in the storm and unable to work
• Farmers and gig workers who usually don’t qualify for unemployment

🗓️ Coverage Dates

DUA benefits apply to unemployment occurring from April 6 through October 25, 2025, with up to 29 weeks of coverage available.

📍 Impacted Counties

Initial counties (13):
Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen, Woodford

Added counties (24):
Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Daviess, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, LaRue, Lincoln, McLean, Meade, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Trimble, Warren, Webster

📄 How To Apply

Visit kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-2900.
All documentation must be submitted within 21 days of your claim. Required documents include:

• Tax forms or check stubs
• Photo ID
• Proof of residence (bill or statement dated at time of storm)

⚠️ Important Notes:

• DUA is funded by FEMA and does not impact employer accounts
• Individuals must prove their unemployment is directly linked to the disaster
• Governor Beshear also enacted Kentucky’s price gouging laws and activated the State Emergency Operations Center in response to the storm damage

TNW News urges Kentuckians to document damage, contact local emergency management, and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing this vital assistance.

🎨 TNW Breaking News Graphic Text (for web/social use):

HEADLINE:
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE DEADLINE EXTENDED – APPLY BY JULY 25

SUBTEXT:
If you lost work due to the April 2 Kentucky storms, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
📅 New Deadline: July 25, 2025
🌐 Visit kcc.ky.gov or ☎️ Call 502-564-2900

Counties Covered: 37 total — Full list at TNWWeather.com
Storms included: Tornadoes, flooding, wind, landslides

🛑 Act Now – DUA benefits may cover up to 29 weeks of lost income.

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