Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Provider: DISASTER 2025 HURST FIRE
SUPPORT FOR WORKERS & BUSINESSES
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
- Counseling: Office of Small Business Concierge Counseling
- Worker Support for employees experiencing disaster-related job disruptions.
- Virtual Events for Small Businesses and Nonprofits are being offered by the Valley Economic Alliance
- Employment Services continue to be offered by LA County America's Job Centers of California (AJCC)
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.
If you have been impacted by the fires in Los Angeles County, 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: https://edd.ca.gov/en/about_edd/disaster_related_services/
Extensions for Employers to File and Pay Payroll Taxes
Employers directly affected by a disaster may request up to a two-month extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest.
For more information about how to request an extension and other employer assistance available, visit Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers
Small Business Administration (SBA) Assistance: Information about SBA disaster loans for businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations is available now. SBA disaster loans may be used for business and personal losses not covered by insurance or funding from FEMA. Additional eligibility and criteria may apply.
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/
Restaurants Care Fund
Restaurants Care has opened a temporary fund to provide emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles area fires.
Grants will range between $350 and $1500. Grants will be awarded based on need and available funding. Not all qualified applicants will be awarded funding, due to the tremendous need and limited funds.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a California resident working in California
- Be currently employed by a restaurant or foodservice operation during the time of the fire
- Have worked in the foods industry for a minimum of six months
- Have proof of a financial hardship due to: permanent loss of housing, temporary loss of housing, restaurant burned down or restaurant is temporarily closed.
Deadline to apply is February 28, 2025, or until funds have been exhausted.
Apply online at https://craf.communityforce.com/Funds/
Support For Artists and Creative Workers: