CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia has added Montgomery and Pulaski Counties to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) declaration for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, bringing the number of eligible areas to nine. This assistance provides temporary financial support to individuals in Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wythe Counties, and the City of Galax who lost jobs or experienced reduced work hours due to the storm.

The declaration, approved by President Joe Biden at the request of Governor Glenn Youngkin, allows the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) to offer unemployment assistance to those affected. Eligible individuals, including self-employed and seasonal workers, can apply for DUA through December 2, 2024. Assistance covers job losses occurring since September 25, 2024, and may extend through April 5, 2025, depending on continued impact.