Filing deadlines extended for disaster unemployment aid, small business emergency loans

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has extended the application deadlines for both Disaster Unemployment Assistance and the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.Florida residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Michael can apply for DUA.DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning Oct. 14, 2018, until April 13, 2019, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster.DEO is accepting applications for DUA from residents in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington counties. Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred.