On Aug. 3, 2026, the State of Mississippi received a major disaster declaration (DR-4930-MS). The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced on Aug. 10 that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for the following four counties in Mississippi: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone. The Disaster Assistance Period begins June 21, 2026, through February 6, 2027. Self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected areas at the time of the major disaster and those who are unemployed as a result of the major disaster may be eligible for DUA. The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Monday, Oct. 2, 2026.