Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available
Remember the deadline to apply is December 17
Release Date: November 19, 2003
Release Number: 1499-13
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms and Flooding
EVERETT, Wash. -- Individuals who are out of work as a direct result of the severe storms October 15 - 23 may be eligible for weekly benefit payments under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. Applications can be obtained online at http://www.wa.gov/esd/ui/dua.htm.
Requests for applications can also be made by phone at (360) 902-9479, e-mail at dua@esd.wa.gov, or in person at local WorkSource centers. Callers can request that an application be mailed or faxed to them. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 17, 2003. Applicants will need a social security number. Self-employed applicants should also be prepared to provide information about earnings from their previous federal tax year.
This program is available to workers in the disaster declared areas of Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties.
The DUA program extends coverage to people ineligible for unemployment compensation under the regular state unemployment insurance program. Those who may be eligible include self-employed persons, farm workers, loggers, farm and ranch owners, commission-paid employees and others not eligible under regular programs.
The DUA is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the State of Washington Department of Economic Security through the U.S. Department of Labor.
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: Thursday, 20-Nov-2003 08:04:45