Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Benefits

Workers, business owners, and self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected area at the time of the major disaster and became unemployed or had their work hours reduced or interrupted as a direct result of the major disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance may be eligible for DUA benefits beginning the week of August 13, 2023, until the week ending February 10, 2024, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: All individuals who believe they qualify for DUA should apply as soon as possible. The deadline for filing DUA is 30 days after the date of this announcement; therefore, DUA applications must be submitted no later than September 25, 2023. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered untimely and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause for late filing.

To access FEMA's Critical Needs Assistance of $700, individuals can expedite their application process by utilizing DisasterAssistance.gov as the primary application portal. Alternatively, applicants may choose to apply through the FEMA mobile app or by contacting the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Before You Apply

• Take photos of your damaged home and belongings for your own record
• Make a list of damaged/lost items, which may be helpful when working with your insurance or discussing your losses with a FEMA inspector

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

• Bank account information (if you are approved for disaster assistance, you may choose to have funds directly deposited to your account)

• Social Security number

• Annual household income

• Contact information (phone number, current mailing address, email address, and damaged home address)

• Insurance information (type of policy, insurance company name, etc.)

Note: FEMA cannot provide assistance for damage or expenses covered by insurance. If your insurance coverage DOES NOT cover all your essential needs and/or is delayed, you may request additional assistance from FEMA.

Description of what you lost because of the disaster.   

After you complete your application for assistance, you will receive a FEMA application number.  Write down this number and keep it for future reference.

If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance.

FEMA Individuals and Households Program 

To access government aid through FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP), the most expedient method is to submit an application via DisasterAssistance.gov. Alternatively, applicants can utilize the FEMA mobile app or reach out to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) extends financial and direct services to individuals and households impacted by a disaster. This assistance is designed for those with essential expenses and critical needs that are either uninsured or under-insured. It's important to note that IHP assistance is not a replacement for insurance and cannot fully compensate for all losses incurred during a disaster. Rather, its purpose is to address fundamental requirements and complement disaster recovery efforts.

CNHA Kākoʻo Maui Fund

CNHA is closely collaborating with state and county officials, non-profit entities, and community stakeholders to gain insight into the rapidly shifting priorities. The funding will be allocated to address evolving requirements, such as shelter, sustenance, financial aid, and additional essential services, as identified by our partner organizations engaged in vital efforts on Maui‍

Get Disaster Relief Payments or Donate to the People’s Fund of Maui

Every adult resident (18 and over) who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula is eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help them through this period of recovery, according to the announcement.

To apply, you will be asked to submit a photo of a government-issued identification card and a utility bill or other document confirming your residence. Please complete one form for each eligible adult. If you are a resident without a bank account, or if you need assistance completing this form, please contact 808-427-7777.

Apply for Disaster Relief Assistance from Hawaii Association of REALTORS® Relief Foundation

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation Application for Disaster Relief Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options:

• Monthly mortgage expenses for primary residence that was damaged by the Wildfire Disaster; or
• Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Wildfire Disaster; or
• Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Wildfire Disaster.

Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $3,000 per household.

Deadline for application submission is December 31, 2023. Please be aware that this assistance is for housing relief only; other expenses including second mortgages (home equity or loans), clothing, appliance, equipment, vehicle purchase, rental or repair, and/or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program.

Recipient must be a full-time resident and U.S. citizen or legally submitted for residence in the United States. Photo identification to show proof of residency will be required. Once the application is processed, the checks will be issued and sent to the REALTORS® Association of Maui office.

Applications and questions can be submitted to: mauirelief@hawaiirealtors.com.

Please allow 10-15 business days for us to review and process your application.

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