Disaster Unemployment Deadlines Near
Release Date: November 22, 2004
Release Number: 1545-199
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The deadlines are approaching for applicants to file for federal unemployment benefits that went into place when counties were declared federal disasters after Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances. Floridians who lost income because of the storms have until the following dates to apply for unemployment benefits:
- Hurricane Jeanne—Monday, Nov. 29, 2004
- Hurricane Frances—Monday, Dec. 6, 2004.
Federal disaster unemployment assistance is available for those who are unemployed because of the disaster and cannot get regular unemployment compensation, including those who are self-employed and farm workers.
The following counties were declared disasters Sept. 26, 2004, under Hurricane Jeanne: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Volusia.
Hurricane Frances was declared Sept. 4, 2004, for the same above counties excluding Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison and Taylor counties. Broward, Lee and Miami-Dade counties also were declared disaster areas under Hurricane Frances.
“Floridians who need economic aid because of these disasters are encouraged to register for unemployment assistance if they have not done so,” said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT).
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.
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: Monday, 22-Nov-2004 19:56:16