Disaster Unemployment Assistance Can Help
Release Date: July 3, 2003
Release Number: 1474-19
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- Home and property losses due to the recent storms were traumatic for West Virginians, but an added burden surfaced as many lost their livelihood as well. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) can help those who qualify.
For the next few weeks, people living or working in the 12 disaster-declared counties whose jobs have been affected by recent severe storms, flooding and landslides that began on June 11 may be eligible for disaster unemployment benefits.
This special unemployment program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs.
DUA benefits are for those who:
- Are unable to work because their place of employment was put out of operation or those who are unable to travel to their work place due to the disaster;
- Are self-employed but are prevented from working due to the disaster (must provide income tax forms, schedules SE and C or F or other proof of self-employment);
- Have become the breadwinner or major support of a household because the head of the household died as a direct result of the disaster;
- Cannot work because of an injury or illness caused as a direct result of the disaster.
"Losing a job or missing work just adds more burden to families already trying to recover from these storms," said Steve Kappa, state coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "This program can help people make ends meet until they can get back to work."
Claims must be filed with local unemployment offices by July 25, 2003 for persons living or working in the following counties: Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne.
For those who reside or work in Berkeley, Lincoln and Wyoming counties, the application deadline is July 31, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 03-Jul-2003 13:22:25