Out of Work Because of the Disaster? Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Release Date: May 19, 2003
Release Number: 1463-23
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Springfield, MO -- As if losing a home weren't bad enough, some Missourians also lost jobs as a result of the recent severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that devastated the state earlier this month. For those who have become unemployed or suffered a loss of income as a result of the disaster, the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program may help.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is designed to help farmers, ranchers, seasonal or migrant workers, those who are self-employed, and others not normally eligible for benefits under a state's regular unemployment insurance program. That includes persons who have lost their jobs, had their employment interrupted, or were unable to start work because of a major disaster. Benefits also may be available for those who cannot work because of a disaster-related injury.
Claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance should be filed at the applicant's local unemployment office or by calling 800-788-4002. Weekly benefits up to 26 weeks following the date of the disaster declaration may be available for eligible applicants.
With the additional 18 Missouri counties included in the disaster declaration on May 16, residents in the following counties are now eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, and Shelby. Claims must be filed no later than June 18 for persons in these counties.
"We hope anyone who's been unable to work because of the severe storms since May 4 will contact their local unemployment office as soon as possible," said Jerry Uhlmann, state coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "With the unemployment deadline just a few short weeks away, we don't want anyone to miss the chance to be considered for help."
Although administered by the state, disaster unemployment benefits are funded entirely by the federal government and not taken from employer payroll taxes used to finance the regular unemployment insurance program.
"Disaster Unemployment Assistance can help people make ends meet after a disaster until they can resume work," said Mike Karl of FEMA, federal coordinating officer for the disaster.
Residents of all Missouri counties included in the disaster declaration are eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, though the deadline for application varies.
Claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance must be filed by June 6, 2003 for persons in the following counties: Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Camden, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Saline, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Vernon and Webster.
Claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance must be filed by June 11, 2003 for persons in these Missouri counties: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Franklin, Jefferson, Perry, Scott, Stoddard, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis and Washington.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-May-2003 09:37:09