Deadline extended for debris removal and unemployment benefits.

If you still have debris left behind by the wildfires in California, you still have time to participate in the removal program.

Affected Los Angeles County residents have until April 15, 2025, to submit a Right of Entry form and opt in or out of the government’s debris removal program. Officials report that the scope of the debris removal program is also being expanded beyond homeowners to include condominiums and multi-family buildings with at least one owner-occupied unit.

It is important to note that properties wholly owned by for-profit entities are not included in this expansion and are considered commercial properties. All other properties not included in the expanded scope will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on the following criteria, for example, an immediate threat to public health and safety due to the debris, barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently, or the economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and the community.

So, if you were affected by the fires and haven’t yet signed up for the Right of Entry program, now is the time. You can still change your mind and request debris removal at your own expense, but please consider signing up to maintain your options.

Remember that Phase 2 of fire debris removal is being coordinated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and a Right of Entry form is required if you want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform the work at no cost. Those who opt out should also submit an opt-out form to avoid delays in their communities’ work.

Homeowners who choose to hire private contractors for fire debris removal can obtain an Eaton and Palisades Fire Debris Removal Permit through the County’s EPIC-LA system.

On the other hand, there is also Disaster Unemployment Assistance, the deadline for which is June 10, 2025, so workers, business owners, and self-employed individuals in Los Angeles County affected by the California wildfires have until Tuesday, June 10, 2025, to apply for Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance. This is an extension of the original March 10 deadline.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), which processes federal DUA applications, received notification from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s approval of the application extension, as well as an extension of the 90-day deadline for submitting documentation.

Therefore, you should be aware that all required documentation must be submitted within 90 days of the date indicated on the mailed notification indicating the need for a supporting document.

Workers who have already applied for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) but have not yet submitted their documentation will now have 90 days to do so, instead of the 21 days originally planned. They will be sent a courtesy reminder notifying them that the Employment Development Department (EDD) has not received their documentation.

So keep this in mind: unemployment assistance is due June 10th, and the application for debris removal is due April 15th.