BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPOUD) — Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available to businesses and residents in Louisiana whose employment or self-employment was lost or disrupted due to Hurricane Francine. The DUA was made available after President Biden approved a disaster declaration for Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Francine. The Louisiana Workforce Commission is accepting applications for DUA until Nov. 15, according to a news release. Residents and businesses in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes may apply for DUA. Click here to see if you are eligible to apply for DUA. According to LWC, "Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely, and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date; therefore, claimants should file as soon as possible." The agency said proof of employment/self-employment must be submitted no later than 21 days after filing the claim. Acceptable documents: Payroll voucher that is closest in date to the last work week. Written statement from your employer. Business records such as bank statements and business receipts. An employment and earnings statement from your employer. A notarized affidavit if you are unable to get in touch with your employer. A notarized statement from someone who can your employment status. State officials warn homeowners of possible contractor fraud after Hurricane Francine According to a news release, "If you are self-employed, your 2023 federal income tax return and schedules can serve as proof of prior wages but do not substantiate your proof of employment at the time of the disaster." If you need to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, you can do so by calling 1-866-783-5567 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or online via the LWC HiRE portal. Latest News Raccoon roundworm: What to know about the parasite that infected 2 in California Walker middle school given $405K grant for STEM-based program House awards Billie Jean King Congressional Gold Medal in history-making vote Baton Rouge celebrates work starting on 5.3-mile Plank Road restoration project Community leaders along Mississippi River want to keep products, water, money flowing through US