Crawford County Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Is Two Weeks Away
Release Date: May 2, 2006
Release Number: 1631-055
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- State and federal officials have announced May 16, 2006, as the deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for people who are out of work due to storms, flooding, and tornadoes that struck the state beginning March 8 through March 13, 2006. This deadline affects residents of Crawford County.
Individuals must apply during the open application period, even if they do not expect to receive benefits immediately.
This program extends coverage to people ineligible for unemployment compensation under the regular state unemployment insurance program. Those who may qualify include self-employed persons, farm workers, farm and ranch owners, agricultural producers, commission-paid employees and others not covered by regular programs that lost work as a result of the disaster. Individuals who are not sure if they qualify under this program should apply anyway to ensure that everyone who is eligible is assisted.
Persons applying for unemployment benefits should be able to provide proof of past earnings at the time they file a claim, such as business records or bank statements and their 2005 or most recent income tax forms. DUA claims may be filed by calling the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (800) 788-4002, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Missouri Department of Labor will also assist DUA claimants in finding reemployment through testing, counseling, and placement services.
Everyone who was adversely affected by the storms, tornadoes and flooding, March 8 through March 13, is encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing-impaired. Telephone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. People may also apply online at www.fema.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-May-2006 09:35:46