Recovering Lost Wages Following a Disaster

What you will discover:

Employees on Salary
Hourly Workers Self-Employed Individuals Disaster Unemployment Benefits

If you were unable to work due to a storm or other natural catastrophe, you may be concerned about missed pay. In certain situations, your employer may be required to compensate you for missed time. They may not in others.

Employees on Salary

Salaried employees are significantly more likely to be compensated for missing pay. In New York, for example, if your job was closed due to a storm, your company is normally obligated to compensate.

Remember that you may be requested to take personal leave, and that your employment contract and your company’s internal policies may take precedence. Inquire with your employer about their policies. If you believe they should be paying or if you have a problem, call a lawyer to determine whether everything is in order.

Employees who work by the hour

Unfortunately, if you work as an hourly employee, your employer is not required to compensate you for lost time. However, there are certain benefits available to you to recover lost wages, which we will discuss below.

Self-Employed Individuals

While being self-employed has many advantages, you are probably aware that recovering lost wages from your employer is not one of them. Having said that, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Unemployment Assistance in the Event of a Natural Disaster

Whether you are an hourly, salaried, or self-employed worker, your state government most certainly provides DUA, or Disaster Unemployment Assistance. You may submit an unemployment claim with your state agency after a catastrophe has been proclaimed. If your claim is approved, you will get at least half of the average benefit in your state. DUA may persist up to six months.

More information about DUA is available from the US Department of Labor, including qualifications and links to your state agency.