One Week Left To Apply For Unemployment Assistance From Tropical Storm Frances
Release Date: October 20, 2004
Release Number: 1546-021b
» More Information on North Carolina Tropical Storm Frances
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- North Carolina disaster victims who lost work because of Tropical Storm Frances and have not yet applied for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) have only one more week to apply. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2004, is the last day to file for DUA, according to federal and state disaster recovery officials for qualified citizens of Alexander, Bladen, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Columbus, Cumberland, Gaston, Hoke, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Scotland, Robeson and Union counties.
Affected workers can file for DUA benefits at the nearest Employment Security Commission (ESC) office or, by calling toll free 1-866-795-8877 (in North Carolina). Individuals must apply during the open application period, even if they do not expect to receive benefits immediately.
Workers or business owners who meet the following criteria should apply before the deadline:
- Individuals who are unemployed due to Tropical Storm Frances and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- Self-employed individuals, including farmers and fishermen, whose income was disrupted by the storm. (Self-employed persons filing claims must provide a copy of their 2003 tax returns).
- Small business owners whose income was disrupted by the storm.
- Individuals who have become the breadwinner or major supplier of household income due to the disaster-related death of the head of the household as a result of the major disaster.
- Individuals who were injured as a direct result of the disaster, and thus, are unable to work.
- Individuals who are unable to reach the place of employment as a direct result of the major disaster.
- Individuals who have been prevented from beginning a new job due to the disaster.
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: Wednesday, 20-Oct-2004 17:13:52