Gov. Beshear: Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Available for Those in 37 Counties Affected
by Severe Storms in April
Kentuckians in counties that received federal approval
for individual assistance may be eligible
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 21, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky is expanding eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to include individuals in 24 additional counties who are out of work as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began in Kentucky on April 2, 2025.
On April 24, 2025, President Donald Trump approved Gov. Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to devastating severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began in Kentucky on April 2, 2025.
On May 14, 2025, President Trump approved an amendment to that declaration, expanding Individual Assistance to an additional 24 counties following requests submitted by Gov. Beshear on April 28 and May 5, 2025.
Originally, Individual Assistance was made available for residents in the following 13 counties: Anderson, Boone, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford.
The counties added by the amendment for Individual Assistance and DUA eligibility are: Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Daviess, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, LaRue, Lincoln, McLean, Meade, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Trimble, Warren and Webster counties.
Individuals – including unemployed and self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted as a direct result the flooding that occurred in Kentucky beginning on April 2, 2025 – are eligible to apply for DUA benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.
DUA is available to individuals who:
- Worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work;
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to their place of employment as a direct result of a disaster, which can also include the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster;
- Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income;
- Do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state;
- Cannot work or resume self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster; or
- As a result of the disaster, became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because of the death of the head of the household.
In order to qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster and that they are not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits under state or federal law. Farmers and other self-employed individuals who traditionally are ineligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits may qualify for DUA.
To receive DUA benefits, the federal program requires individuals to provide documents, including a copy of their most recent federal or state income tax forms or check stubs, a bill showing their physical address at the time of the disaster and a photo ID. All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the individual’s DUA application is filed.
DUA is available for up to 29 weeks of unemployment beginning April 6, 2025, until October 25, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
How To File a Claim
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-2900 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for assistance is June 23, 2025.
Updated information will be communicated on the Kentucky Career Center website and through future press releases with detailed information. DUA is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and benefits are not charged to employers.
Following the storms, the Governor urged local officials to start the federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance damage assessments and asked Kentuckians who experienced storm damage to take photographs to document damages before cleaning up and to report those losses to their local emergency management officials.
Gov. Beshear also activated the State Emergency Operations Center and activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they cleaned up from the severe weather.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Severe Weather
LONDON, Ky. (May 20, 2025) – After visiting the Laurel County and city of London emergency operations centers, Gov. Andy Beshear today provided an update on severe weather that hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard with a tornado touching down in Laurel County.
“I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt. And I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work they’ve done over the past few days,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And it’s another reminder that life is short and it’s our duty to be kind and do good. As always – we will get through this together.”
The Governor was joined at the briefing by Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Eric Gibson, Laurel County Judge/Executive David Westerfield, London Mayor Randall Weddle, Laurel County Sheriff John Root and American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter Executive Director Lynne Washbish, along with other local, state and federal officials or their representatives.
The Governor said that, as of 9 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, there were 19 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. There are eight injured people at the University of Kentucky Hospital: two in critical condition, two in serious condition and four in good condition.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to support survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here.
The Governor also updated Kentuckians on upcoming severe weather, as storms are expected today starting around 2 p.m. EDT in the west and reaching the eastern part of the commonwealth between 8 and 11 p.m. EDT. There is the risk of strong winds, hail and tornadoes, especially in the far west. With debris still on the ground, the incoming storms and high winds could create a dangerous mix of rain and flying debris.
The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to be cautious and to consider not traveling during this time, especially in already damaged areas. Gov. Beshear said there is currently a NOAA Weather Radio outage for the National Weather Service in Louisville. Those who rely on the Louisville radio for their NOAA weather warnings are advised to find an alternative alert system.
Gov. Beshear reported that he has consulted with local leaders in London, and they all agree that the hardest hit neighborhoods in London will need to be evacuated ahead of today’s storms. It is not safe to be near the debris with the high winds expected. The evacuation and sheltering of these neighborhoods will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. EDT.
For those in Laurel County, the Sheriff’s Office at 203 S. Broad St. in London will be sheltering people during the upcoming storms. A second shelter will be open at West London Baptist Church at 360 Parker Road in London.
There are currently 20 people affected by the May 16-17 weather event in congregate shelter – 16 at Airbnbs and 65 in hotels. Team Kentucky is working to get travel trailers set up at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park.
Kentucky State Parks: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is sheltering 12 people occupying four rooms.
Kentucky Emergency Management: Teams are continuing efforts to survey and document damage. The Governor also encouraged survivors to document damage. This documentation is how the commonwealth makes the best case for federal assistance. The Governor said the commonwealth has submitted a request with FEMA asking for both Individual and Public Assistance. This is an initial request, and more counties will likely be added as damage assessments come in.
Power Outages: At the time of the Governor’s briefing, about 4,628 customers were without power, down from a high of 172,711.
Water Outages: Approximately 60 customers are without water, and 2,108 customers are under a boil water advisory.
Kentucky State Police and Kentucky National Guard: KSP troopers and Guard members are providing 24-hour security patrols in storm-impacted areas to prevent looting. Only residents and authorized personnel will be permitted in these areas. At this time, KSP Post 11 has no reports of missing persons. If someone needs to report a missing person or request a wellness check, they should contact their local KSP post.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: More than 200 transportation crew members from Laurel, Pulaski and surrounding counties have been working to clean up this weekend’s damage. This includes untangling power lines and resetting poles, removing debris and blocking and detouring roads so power crews can restore service. Don’t travel in damaged areas unless absolutely necessary. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Gov. Beshear also signed an executive order that allows pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication. He also implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include inconsistent or no power; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave house due to weather and lack of transportation; phone issues; unable to leave vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Severe Weather
LONDON, Ky. (May 17, 2025) – After surveying storm damage this afternoon, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather that hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard with a tornado touching down in Laurel County.
“We’ve had more than our fair share of natural disasters in Kentucky in recent years,” said Gov. Beshear. “And while we can’t know why Kentucky keeps getting hit and it feels tough for our people to be facing this level of pain and destruction – one thing we know here in the commonwealth is how to come together, live our faith and values and help our neighbors in their time of need.”
The Governor said that, as of 1 p.m. EDT Saturday, there were 18 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County.
First responders from Kentucky Emergency Management, the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police (KSP), the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have been onsite since this morning.
Saturday afternoon, first responders were focused on search and rescue efforts. Anyone missing a loved one who is able to travel should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road in London and speak with the Kentucky State Police and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Those unable to travel can report missing persons to 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), selecting option 4 when prompted.
The Governor was joined at Saturday afternoon’s briefing by Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Eric Gibson, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., Senate President Robert Stivers, State Rep. Shane Baker and Laurel County Sheriff John Root, along with other local, state and federal officials and their representatives.
Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Earlier today, Gov. Beshear spoke with federal Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Office of the Governor has been in communication with the White House.
In the wake of the severe weather overnight, 7 counties and 1 city have declared states of emergency.
Kentucky National Guard: Nearly 70 soldiers and airmen are assisting in Laurel and Pulaski. Guardsmen are assisting Kentucky State Police with roving and stationary patrols in Laurel County to enhance public safety. UH-60 Blackhawk crews conducted aerial surveys of Laurel and Pulaski counties to review damage and assess the area.
Kentucky State Police: KSP telecommunicators have answered more than 4,000 calls for service since this morning. KSP troopers and officers are on the ground in Laurel County to assist the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office and the National Guard.
Kentucky State Parks: Cumberland Falls and Lake Cumberland state resort parks have been activated to shelter those impacted by the severe weather.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: State highway crews across the state went on call before the storm and responded overnight to downed trees, hail and tornado damage to clear roadways for emergency responders and rescue efforts. Chainsaw and backhoe crews continue to work alongside firefighters and police, clearing debris and assisting utility crews as they untangle lines and reset poles. Signal crews are working to restore traffic lights – drivers should treat dark signals as four-way stops.
Emergency Shelter: First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth St. in London.
Road Closures: More than 24 state highways are closed either from previous slides and flooding or from debris, downed power lines and current flooding. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Power Outages: At the time of the Governor’s briefing, about 69,218 customers were reportedly without power, down from a high of 172,711. This number is constantly changing.
Water Outages: Approximately 185 customers are without water, and 9,500 customers are under a boil water advisory.
When to Call 911: If you have an emergency or life-threatening situation, dial 911 for immediate available assistance.
Rapid Needs Assessment: If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include: power is out or inconsistent; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave house due to weather and lack of transportation; phone issues; unable to leave vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more.
Emergency Prescription Refills: Gov. Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to help survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 22, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather recovery, Recovery Ready Communities and declining highway fatalities. The Governor named all those helping with disaster recovery following the weekend’s storms as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
May Severe Weather Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather that took place May 16-17 and hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard, with a tornado touching down in Laurel County.
“To those affected by this weekend’s severe weather, our promise to you is the same one we’ve made to each and every family impacted by natural disasters these past few years,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will rebuild every home and every life. We will keep showing up over and over. We will walk this road of recovery together.”
The Governor said the commonwealth has submitted a request with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking for Individual Assistance for eight counties and Public Assistance for 22 counties. This is an initial request, and more counties will likely be added as damage assessments come in.
The Governor said the number of confirmed deaths connected to severe weather remains at 19. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. There are eight injured people at the University of Kentucky Hospital: three in critical condition, one in serious condition and four in good condition.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to support survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here. So far, the fund has raised more than $1.3 million in donations from 5,735 donors.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is sheltering 31 people occupying 10 rooms. There are currently 14 individuals being sheltered by the Red Cross, 40 at Airbnbs and 65 households being sheltered by Praxel. Many more households are with volunteer organizations or self-paying. Team Kentucky is working to get more than 100 travel trailers set up at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. Five units are currently onsite being installed, and additional units are on the way.
Emergency clearance and debris removal has begun in the affected areas. Temporary staging locations and debris management sites are being identified and approved. At the time of the Governor’s briefing, about 1,201 customers were without power, down from a high of 172,711. Approximately 50 customers were without water, and 200 customers were under a boil water advisory. The Governor noted that these numbers are fairly standard for power and utility operations on any given day in the commonwealth
U.S. Highway 27 at Somerset reopened Wednesday afternoon following significant cleanup and emergency repairs. However, highway and power crews remain at work there, and the Parkers Mill Road intersection remains blocked where crews are restoring traffic signals. Crews continue to barricade roads and set up detours so power services can be restored in Laurel, Pulaski and surrounding counties. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers and Kentucky National Guard members are providing 24-hour security patrols in storm-impacted areas to prevent looting. Only residents and authorized personnel will be permitted in these areas. At this time, KSP Post 11 has no reports of missing persons. If someone needs to report a missing person or request a wellness check, they should contact their local KSP post.
Updates On Other Severe Weather Events
The Governor also provided an update on recovery following other severe weather events that have affected the commonwealth in 2025. Kentuckians impacted by severe weather and flooding that began in Kentucky on April 2, have until June 25 to apply for federal FEMA aid. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. So far from the April event, 1,715 individuals have been approved for Individual Assistance, representing more than $14.4 million disbursed.
Also for the April event, Gov. Beshear announced Wednesday that Kentucky is expanding eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to include individuals in 24 additional counties who are out of work as a result of severe storms.
For the February storms, Gov. Beshear announced this week that Kentucky’s request for a 30-day extension to the registration period for DUA for those affected has been approved and the deadline extended until May 27, 2025, for disaster survivors in all counties designated for Individual Assistance in DR-4860-KY.
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-2900 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for assistance is June 23, 2025.
Also for the February event, the deadline is tomorrow, May 23, to apply for federal FEMA aid. More than 6,920 individuals have been approved for Individual Assistance, representing more than $44.1 million disbursed. Many Disaster Recovery Centers for the February storms will be closing over the next few days. A few will remain open for regional support and to handle appeals. Click here to view the hours and locations of the Disaster Recovery Centers for the April and February events.
Team Kentucky recently received a denial for Public Assistance for ice storms in January. The Governor said his administration will be appealing this denial, as he believes the event meets all the statutory thresholds for assistance.
Four Counties Certified as Recovery Ready Communities
Gov. Beshear announced that Bell, LaRue, Marion and Washington counties are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities, bringing the total number of certified counties to 25. These new certifications mean that nearly 71,000 more Kentuckians have access to second chance employment; safe, sober-living housing; health care; and treatment. Counties are recognized by having established services for residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction in three different categories – prevention, treatment and recovery support. Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty joined the news conference to speak about the work his county is doing to fight addiction.
Declining Highway Fatalities
Gov. Beshear announced that highway fatalities in Kentucky decreased in 2024 to 707 deaths – down 107 compared with 2023. This marks the lowest number of highway fatalities in the last 10 years.
“These numbers mean fewer families have had to deal with such a painful loss,” said Gov. Beshear. “While this is a great sign, we know each person lost on our roadways is a tragedy. Each one is a child of God, taken far too soon. Let’s keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies – like buckling up, putting the phone down, driving sober and following the speed limit.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named all those helping in disaster recovery as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“From our heroic State Police, National Guard and local first responders to our transportation crews, volunteers, local leaders, nonprofits and so many more: Thank you,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s because of your service and your dedication to helping others that we will get through this together.”
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 22, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather recovery, Recovery Ready Communities and declining highway fatalities. The Governor named all those helping with disaster recovery following the weekend’s storms as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
May Severe Weather Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather that took place May 16-17 and hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard, with a tornado touching down in Laurel County.
“To those affected by this weekend’s severe weather, our promise to you is the same one we’ve made to each and every family impacted by natural disasters these past few years,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will rebuild every home and every life. We will keep showing up over and over. We will walk this road of recovery together.”
The Governor said the commonwealth has submitted a request with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking for Individual Assistance for eight counties and Public Assistance for 22 counties. This is an initial request, and more counties will likely be added as damage assessments come in.
The Governor said the number of confirmed deaths connected to severe weather remains at 19. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. There are eight injured people at the University of Kentucky Hospital: three in critical condition, one in serious condition and four in good condition.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to support survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here. So far, the fund has raised more than $1.3 million in donations from 5,735 donors.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is sheltering 31 people occupying 10 rooms. There are currently 14 individuals being sheltered by the Red Cross, 40 at Airbnbs and 65 households being sheltered by Praxel. Many more households are with volunteer organizations or self-paying. Team Kentucky is working to get more than 100 travel trailers set up at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. Five units are currently onsite being installed, and additional units are on the way.
Emergency clearance and debris removal has begun in the affected areas. Temporary staging locations and debris management sites are being identified and approved. At the time of the Governor’s briefing, about 1,201 customers were without power, down from a high of 172,711. Approximately 50 customers were without water, and 200 customers were under a boil water advisory. The Governor noted that these numbers are fairly standard for power and utility operations on any given day in the commonwealth
U.S. Highway 27 at Somerset reopened Wednesday afternoon following significant cleanup and emergency repairs. However, highway and power crews remain at work there, and the Parkers Mill Road intersection remains blocked where crews are restoring traffic signals. Crews continue to barricade roads and set up detours so power services can be restored in Laurel, Pulaski and surrounding counties. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers and Kentucky National Guard members are providing 24-hour security patrols in storm-impacted areas to prevent looting. Only residents and authorized personnel will be permitted in these areas. At this time, KSP Post 11 has no reports of missing persons. If someone needs to report a missing person or request a wellness check, they should contact their local KSP post.
Updates On Other Severe Weather Events
The Governor also provided an update on recovery following other severe weather events that have affected the commonwealth in 2025. Kentuckians impacted by severe weather and flooding that began in Kentucky on April 2, have until June 25 to apply for federal FEMA aid. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. So far from the April event, 1,715 individuals have been approved for Individual Assistance, representing more than $14.4 million disbursed.
Also for the April event, Gov. Beshear announced Wednesday that Kentucky is expanding eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to include individuals in 24 additional counties who are out of work as a result of severe storms.
For the February storms, Gov. Beshear announced this week that Kentucky’s request for a 30-day extension to the registration period for DUA for those affected has been approved and the deadline extended until May 27, 2025, for disaster survivors in all counties designated for Individual Assistance in DR-4860-KY.
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-2900 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for assistance is June 23, 2025.
Also for the February event, the deadline is tomorrow, May 23, to apply for federal FEMA aid. More than 6,920 individuals have been approved for Individual Assistance, representing more than $44.1 million disbursed. Many Disaster Recovery Centers for the February storms will be closing over the next few days. A few will remain open for regional support and to handle appeals. Click here to view the hours and locations of the Disaster Recovery Centers for the April and February events.
Team Kentucky recently received a denial for Public Assistance for ice storms in January. The Governor said his administration will be appealing this denial, as he believes the event meets all the statutory thresholds for assistance.
Four Counties Certified as Recovery Ready Communities
Gov. Beshear announced that Bell, LaRue, Marion and Washington counties are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities, bringing the total number of certified counties to 25. These new certifications mean that nearly 71,000 more Kentuckians have access to second chance employment; safe, sober-living housing; health care; and treatment. Counties are recognized by having established services for residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction in three different categories – prevention, treatment and recovery support. Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty joined the news conference to speak about the work his county is doing to fight addiction.
Declining Highway Fatalities
Gov. Beshear announced that highway fatalities in Kentucky decreased in 2024 to 707 deaths – down 107 compared with 2023. This marks the lowest number of highway fatalities in the last 10 years.
“These numbers mean fewer families have had to deal with such a painful loss,” said Gov. Beshear. “While this is a great sign, we know each person lost on our roadways is a tragedy. Each one is a child of God, taken far too soon. Let’s keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies – like buckling up, putting the phone down, driving sober and following the speed limit.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named all those helping in disaster recovery as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“From our heroic State Police, National Guard and local first responders to our transportation crews, volunteers, local leaders, nonprofits and so many more: Thank you,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s because of your service and your dedication to helping others that we will get through this together.”
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