The Guam Department of Labor has learned that under federal law, Compact of Free Association citizens are not eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Typhoon Mawar, unless they meet certain criteria as a "qualified alien."

Unlike the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, the DUA initiative does not include language that allows COFA citizens to be eligible for the assistance. Guam DOL emphasized that their federal counterpart is the one administering the program.

Prospective applicants are urged to gather required documents beforehand. This includes a valid government-issued ID, Social Security Card, proof of citizenship status to qualify for DUA, and proof of employment or earnings.

If you can't provide all documents when filing your initial claim, you will have 21 calendar days to get them in. Applicants are also urged to submit applications online at hireguam.com when the program launches.

There's been no given word yet when it will launch, but Guam DOL will be providing more information in the coming weeks.