Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available 

Release Date: July 28, 2003
Release Number: 1478-10

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

Cridersville, OH--Residents who are unemployed as a result of recent flooding may be eligible for federal disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) benefits, state and federal officials said today.

"The DUA program, which is administered by the state, extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster," Rich Roman, deputy state coordinating officer, said. "The program is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for Ohio Department of Job and Family Services state unemployment benefits."

The availability of this program was triggered by President George Bush's July 15, 2003 disaster declaration for parts of Ohio and extends to those living or working in any of the six counties eligible for individual assistance. These counties include Auglaize, Logan, Van Wert, Darke, Shelby, and Mercer. The program is 100 percent funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"The program is designed to help those whose employment was interrupted by the disaster," said Ron Sherman, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "It helps them make ends meet until they can get back to work or resume their customary employment."

Eligible persons include: self-employed agricultural and hourly workers; self-employed business people; business owners unable to provide services; and other unemployed workers who are out of work as a direct result of the disaster and who do not otherwise qualify for unemployment benefits.

For more information, residents of Ohio may call 1-614-466-4636. Applicants should have their Social Security numbers as well as their earnings and employment history available when they call.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2003 10:25:04