Two Week Disaster Unemployment Deadline
Release Date: July 12, 2001
Release Number: 1380-31
» More Information on Louisiana Tropical Storm Allison
Baton Rouge, LA -- State and federal officials have announced July 26, 2001, as the deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for residents of 12 parishes who are out of work because of Tropical Storm Allison.
This deadline affects residents of Beauregard, Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St.Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. Individuals must apply during the open application period, even if they do not expect to receive benefits immediately. DUA claims may be filed at the Louisiana Department Of Labor Job Centers serving these parishes.
This program extends coverage to people who are not normally eligible for unemployment compensation under the regular state unemployment insurance program. You may qualify if you are self-employed, a farm worker, a farm or ranch owner, an agricultural producer, a commission-paid employee, or not covered by regular unemployment programs and lost work as a result of the disaster. If you are not sure if you qualify under this program, you should apply anyway to ensure that you receive all assistance if you are eligible.
To apply you need your Social Security number. You also need to provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements. If possible, bring your 2000 or most recent income tax and W-2 forms. Due to extensive property losses, many people may not have the necessary information readily available, but every effort will be made by the DUA staff to confirm employment information and expedite the application process.
Everyone who was adversely affected by Tropical Storm Allison is encouraged to register with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling 1-800-462-9029. Those wishing to follow up on an application can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-525-0321. People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY)1-800-462-7585. Registration and Helpline numbers are available between 8 a.m. to 6p.m., CDT, daily.
More information is available on FEMA's "For the Media" web site: www.fema.gov/about/media.shtm, and Fax-on-Demand at (202) 646-FEMA. Radio actualities are available from the FEMA Radio Network (1-800-323-5248).
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Oct-2003 13:00:45