The CNMI Department of Labor activated the portal on Friday, giving residents who lost jobs or income after the storm their first opportunity to apply for federal assistance. Gov. David M. Apatang met with labor officials last week to finalize operational directives and issue administrative approval for the program’s rollout.
The FEMA award, totaling $10,162,706, is intended to support workers, self‑employed individuals and business owners across the Commonwealth who experienced job losses or significant income disruptions due to recent disasters.
The online application system is now live at labor.cnmi.gov.
According to the Department of Labor, applicants may qualify for DUA if they lost employment or income as a direct result of the disaster; cannot work because their workplace was damaged, destroyed or inaccessible; were scheduled to begin work but the disaster prevented the start of employment; became the head of household after the disaster due to the death of the previous head; are self‑employed and suffered a major interruption of business activity; or are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance.
The application window will close Oct. 24, the final day allowed under federal statute. Labor officials emphasized that, by regulation, no applications can be accepted after the end of the disaster assistance period, making the deadline firm and non‑extendable.
Eligibility extends to U.S. citizens, nationals and non‑U.S. nationals who are CNMI residents, provided they meet the financial and disaster‑related requirements.
Labor officials said the new online system is designed to streamline submissions and speed up processing for eligible claimants as the Commonwealth continues its recovery from Sinlaku.
