Disaster Unemployment, Crisis and Mental Health Counseling, And Legal Services Avaialble In Disaster Declared Areas. 

Release Date: June 22, 2007
Release Number: 1708-005

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Following a disaster, there are often more needs than just repairing a home or cleaning up debris. Many people are emotionally affected, lose income and/or need legal assistance. The state of Missouri and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognize these needs and are offering the following programs to disaster affected residents in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Holt, Jackson, Lafayette, Livingston, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, and Platte Counties.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance:

Residents of Missouri located in the disaster declared areas who have lost income or been laid off because of the severe storms and flooding of May 5 through 18 may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance (DUA).

This includes workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment assistance, such as farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed. Missourians who need information about how to file a claim should call 800-788-4002. Claims should be filed no later than July 12, 2007.

"Funds for this program are provided through a grant from the federal government,' said Lee Rosenberg, federal coordinating officer. "Applicants need to specify that they are seeking disaster unemployment not regular unemployment."

Crisis and Mental Health Counseling:

Crisis and mental health counselors can assist with any emotional stress caused by the recent disasters or any other cause. Assistance can be reached by calling the CommCare Crisis Line at 1-888-279-8188. The Missouri Dept. of Mental Health Assistance line is 1-800-364-9687.

Legal Services from the Young Lawyers' Section of the Missouri Bar:

Sometimes during flooding, important documents are lost or damaged such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, mortgage papers, etc. Disaster legal assistance can help to replace these documents and give advice on disaster related issues, e.g. assistance with insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, consumer protection matters, drafting of powers of attorney, preparation of guardianships and conservatorships, etc.

Individuals with needs related to the May 5 - 18 storms may call 1-800-829-4128, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. They will be asked to leave their name, address, a good daytime phone number, and an indication of the disaster related legal issue. A legal representative will contact them.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 22-Jun-2007 11:37:20