Disaster Unemployment Assistance

 SUPPORT FOR WORKERS

Visit the links below for services provided by the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

• Visit the LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses page
• Worker Support for employees experiencing disaster-related job disruptions.
• Employment Services continue to be offered by LA County America's Job Centers of California (AJCC)

Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers (provided by City of LA)

Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm at the following locations:

• West LA Work Source Center and AJCC, 5446 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230
• Northeast San Fernando Valley Work Source and AJCC, 13356 Eldridge Ave, Campus Center, Sylmar, CA 91342
• West Adams Family Source Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd., Ste. 105, Los Angeles CA 90008
• Boyle Heights Family Source Center, 2140 1st St. Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90033

On-Site services at the recovery centers include:

• Job placement, training, and employment services
• Business recovery guidance
• Cash relied and multi-lingual application support 
• Wraparound supportive services

CA STATE EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

State of California Employment Development Department (EDD): EDD helps individuals and businesses in California who have been affected by disasters. If you lost your job or can’t work because of a disaster, you may qualify for Unemployment, Disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available for workers and self-employed people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. If you have questions about unemployment benefits or need information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance, please contact EDD:

English: 1-833-998-2284

Spanish: 1-855-964-0634

Other languages: 1-800-300-5616

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific time), Monday through Friday, except on California state holidays.

The fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits is through myEDD.

For more information about EDD's Disaster Related Services, visit: edd.ca.gov/en/about_edd/disaster_related_services/

TAX INFORMATION

IRS Tax Extension for Individuals

Individuals affected by CA wildfires have until October 15, 2025, to file federal tax returns and make tax payments. Qualified wildfire relief payments made to LA County taxpayers affected by wildfires that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements, are excluded from income, even if these payments are made by nonprofit organizations or other non-governmental entities.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

FEMA Temporary Job Opportunities

California residents interested in a temporary position with FEMA can apply through USAJobs.gov. Applicants hired will join a recovery team composed of local and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community organizations. 

GRANTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Fuerza Fund

Alliance for a Better Community (ABC) has launched a new emergency fund to help essential workers – caregivers, housekeepers, gardeners, and hourly and part-time service workers – servicing homes and businesses impacted by the fires.

Through this fund, impacted essential workers can apply for:

• Emergency Stipends: Helping workers and families purchase essential needs such as food, clothing, lodging/housing, transportation, utilities, and other critical needs.
• Gift Cards for Essentials: For those without bank accounts, ensuring immediate access to groceries, food delivery, and other necessities.

Recipients can receive fund assistance within 3 days of review and approval, and sometimes on the same day. Apply online at https://afabc.org/fuerza-fund/

Support For Artists and Creative Workers:

• Craft Emergency Relief Fund
• Entertainment Community Fund
• Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund
• Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
• Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
• We Are Moving the Needle Microgrant

Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund

Assists individuals with disabilities replace lost critical assistive technology, tools and devices, and is also covering some motel/hotel stays.

For additional information or to apply, please visit www.disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/