Out of Work Because of the Disaster? Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Release Date: June 5, 2003
Release Number: 1463-49
» 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 counties included in the disaster declaration on June 3, residents in the following six Missouri counties are now eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Iron, Monroe and Phelps. Claims must be filed no later than July 7, 2003 for persons in these counties.
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.
Federal and state disaster officials remind Missourians that June 6, 2003 is the deadline for filing for Disaster Unemployment Assistance for persons living or working 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.
The deadline for filing claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is June 11, 2003 for those living or working in the following counties: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Franklin, Jefferson, Perry, Scott, Stoddard, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis and Washington.
The deadline for filing claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is June 18, 2003 for those living or working in the counties of: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, Ralls, Randolph and Shelby.
Last Modified: Friday, 06-Jun-2003 09:28:01