Disaster unemployment assistance available for Upshur, Lewis counties

People in Upshur and Lewis counties who lost employment because of last month’s deadly storms and flooding are eligible for disaster unemployment assistance, Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office and Workforce West Virginia announced Thursday.

The Trump administration approved a major disaster declaration for those two counties earlier this week. 

Storms on July 21 and 22 brought 9 tornadoes and up to about 7 inches of rain in some areas of the state, leading to flash flooding. central West Virginia was among the hardest hit. Flooding killed two people in Upshur County. FEMA is still reviewing damage in five other West Virginia counties: Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Pleasants and Ritchie, officials said. 

“Recovery doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede,” Morrisey said in the news release. “We’ll continue working with our federal, state and local partners to make sure the people of Lewis and Upshur counties have the resources they need to recover. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is another important step in helping affected workers and businesses get back on their feet.”

Benefits are available to those living or working in Upshur or Lewis counties who lost their jobs due to the storms July 21 and 22, and to self-employed workers, including farmers who are usually not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits.

Applicants are required to give proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and income tax forms, no more than 21 days after the application has been filed. Claims must be filed by Oct. 2, 2026.

“Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) applies to losses incurred during the incident period of July 21, 2026 to July 22, 2026 for eligible people impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides,” Scott Adkins, acting Commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia, said in the news release. “Full-time workers, part-time workers, and self-employed part-time individuals can be eligible for benefits. The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends February 6, 2027 as long as your unemployment or loss of self-employment continues as a result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis for each week you file your claim.”

People who are unemployed due to the storms must contact Workforce West Virginia by email during the work day at [email protected] phone 304-558-3340.