California's January Freeze Aid Approaches $23 Million
Release Date: May 23, 2007
Release Number: 1689-008
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PASADENA, Calif. -- State and federal officials have approved nearly $23 million in disaster aid for farm workers, others who provide services to the farming community and business owners who suffered $1.4 billion in damages during the January freeze 2007. To date, more than 9,000 Californians have applied for freeze-related unemployment benefits.
The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Friday, May 25, 2007.
Following is a summary of activities in the disaster-declared counties as of May 22, 2007:
- There were 9,223 freeze-related Unemployment Insurance claims processed by the California Employment Development Department, including 2,886 claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance made available as a result of a federal disaster declaration.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had delivered 137 truckloads of food to California, with 79 more expected to be delivered by the end of the month. Another 144 truckloads of food are due to be delivered in June, with 40 to arrive in July and another 40 in August.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $8.5 million in low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
- $4 million in Community Block Grant funds was made available to freeze victims through the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
- La Cooperativa de Campesinos de California distributed more than $3 million in state grant funding for utility, rental and mortgage assistance in Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Ventura and Riverside counties.
- 22,176 visits were reported at the One-Stop Centers in declared counties.
- $4.7 million in state financial assistance was provided to food banks in freeze-affected areas.
- $2.5 million state grant to assist farm workers in Tulare County who were laid off due to the January freeze.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds the DUA program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor at the federal level and the California Employment Development Department at the state level. DUA provides benefits from $144 to a maximum of $450 a week for individuals unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 26 weeks from the date of the federal declaration (March 13, 2007). The Disaster Assistance period ends Sept. 15, 2007.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for individuals who work, were scheduled to work and reside in Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, Monterey, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Stanislaus, Tulare and Ventura counties. And provides assistance to:
- Those who lost their jobs due to the January 2007 freeze.
- Workers who had been contracted to work but were unable to begin work due to the freeze.
- Those who were not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, including the self-employed.
- Those who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits.
Applications for DUA must be made through the Employment Development Department. Residents can apply on-line through www.edd.ca.gov/eapply4ui, or print and mail a written application, available through www.edd.ca.gov/uirep/de1101idua.pdf. Residents cal also call toll-free
1-800-300-5616 for English, 1-800-326-8937 for Spanish, or TTY (non voice) 1-800-815-9387.
Applicants must have a legal right or permission to work in California.
Individuals affected by the freeze may receive food commodities regardless if they are a documented or undocumented immigrant and DO NOT have to demonstrate their immigration status. Individuals may be asked to sign a document certifying that they meet the income eligibility guidelines, are a resident of the county and a victim of the disaster. To find out where to receive food assistance, individuals may contact their local county food bank.
To receive services, individuals must show they are:
- A victim of the freeze (pay stub or a note from their employer indicating lay off).
- A resident of that county with a rent receipt, a pay stub, utility bill or other proof of residence.
Business owners who suffered economic losses as a result of the freeze can apply for a low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loan offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans are available to small, non-farm businesses that have suffered financial losses due to the freeze itself or due to freeze damage to crops such as citrus. Eligible small businesses for an SBA loan include those who deal directly with the growers or other agricultural producers such as packing houses, truckers, and suppliers of agricultural equipment or services. Owners of small "Main Street" businesses whose customers are dependent on agriculture income, such as gas stations and markets also may apply for these disaster loans.
Farmers and ranchers should contact their local Farm Service Agency/U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for information on the Emergency Conservation Program, Emergency Loan Program, Federal Crop Insurance and Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 24-May-2007 08:14:50