Ivan Disaster Unemployment Deadline Friday 

Release Date: November 16, 2004
Release Number: 1551-145

» More Information on Florida Hurricane Ivan

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida Panhandle workers who lost income because of Hurricane Ivan have until Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, to file for federal unemployment benefits.

Hurricane Ivan made landfall Sept. 16, 2004, in Alabama and was declared a major disaster in Florida counties the same day by President Bush.

Federal disaster unemployment assistance is available for those in Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties who are unemployed because of the disaster and cannot get regular unemployment compensation, including those who are self-employed and farm workers.

“Floridians are still recovering from this disaster,” said Craig Fugate, state coordinating officer for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). “Those who lost jobs and need economic help are encouraged to register for unemployment assistance if they have not already done so.”

Applicants can file a claim for disaster unemployment assistance using one of three different methods: in person at an Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) One-Stop Center or a Disaster Recovery Center; by phone at 1-800-204-2418; or on the Internet at www.fluidnow.com. On the website, click on “Internet Unemployment Compensation Claim Application,” or click on the “Guide to Completing the Unemployment Compensation Internet Application” for step-by-step instructions.

The federal program is administered by AWI. Benefits can extend for as long as 26 weeks from the day the disaster is declared and are paid using the same procedures as the state unemployment program.

“This assistance fills the gap for people who are ineligible for state unemployment,” said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “As the holidays approach, this economic program will help residents receive needed financial aid.”

As of Nov. 15, 2004, 3,177 applications for disaster unemployment assistance had been approved for Hurricane Ivan, paying out benefits of more than $633,158 to eligible Floridians.

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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Nov-2004 18:24:47