Deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Nears
Californians Affected by Freeze Must Register by April 30
Release Date: April 23, 1999
Release Number: 1267-14
» More Information on California Severe Freeze
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- People left jobless as a result of last December's severe freeze in eight (8) counties designated as disaster areas have until Friday, April 30 to register for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
The DUA program provides financial help and employment services to people who are otherwise ineligible for regular state unemployment compensation. The program provides help for workers and those who are self-employed if they became unemployed as a direct result of the freeze. Federal funds have been made available specifically to supplement unemployment compensation for farm laborers and other farm industry workers put out of work as a direct result of lost citrus and seasonal crops in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Monterey, Tulare and Ventura counties.
Eligibility for DUA includes:
- Persons affected by the freeze who are or have been self-employed.
- Those who are unable to establish a valid regular unemployment insurance claim
- Coverage for people unable to reach work because of the freeze.
- People scheduled to begin work that was terminated because of the freeze.
- Those physically unable to work because of freeze-related injuries.
Self-employed individuals filing DUA claims should be prepared to provide tax returns, business records, affidavits from individuals having knowledge of their business or any other evidence to verify self-employment.
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) administers the federally funded disaster unemployment program. Individuals may file for benefits at their local EDD office in the affected county or at any Disaster Service Center. Applicants need their Social Security number and documentation of earnings and employment before the disaster.
More information on DUA is available at EDD offices throughout the state.
Last Modified: Thursday, 18-Dec-2003 10:46:08