Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadlines Approach
Release Date: August 7, 2003
Release Number: 1474-87
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- Home and property losses due to the recent storms caused financial difficulty for many West Virginians who may have lost their jobs or means of earning a living. Persons who live or work in the disaster-declared counties whose jobs were affected by the severe storms, flooding and landslides between June 11, 2003 and July 15, 2003 may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This special unemployment program is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs.
The deadlines for applying for unemployment benefits are nearing for the declared counties of Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Nicholas, Preston and Ritchie. Claims must be filed with local unemployment offices by the following dates:
- Nicholas, Monongalia and Doddridge - final date, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003
- Harrison and Ritchie - final date, Monday, Aug. 18, 2003
- Preston - final date, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003
- Marion - final date, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003
DUA benefits are for those who:
- Are unable to work because their place of employment was put out of operation or who are unable to travel to their work place due to the disaster;
- Are self-employed but are prevented from working due to the disaster (must provide income tax forms, schedules SE and C or F or other proof of self-employment);
- Have become the breadwinner or major support of a household because the head of the household died as a direct result of the disaster;
- Cannot work because of an injury or illness caused as a direct result of the disaster.
"Losing a job or missing work just adds more burdens to families already trying to recover from these storms," said Steve Kappa, state coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "The DUA program helps people make ends meet until they can get back to work."
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 07-Aug-2003 15:28:36