President Obama recently declared disaster areas in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia because of severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, mudslides or landslides. Subsequently, employees and self-employed individuals who have lost their jobs or incomes as a direct result of the disasters might be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a special program funded by the federal government that becomes active, if needed, after the President of the United States has declared one or more major disaster areas in a state. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrates federal disaster aid.
Update 3/13/12: FEMA has rejected the Illinois governor’s request for federal disaster aid for five counties in the southern part of his state, including the town of Harrisburg. An EF-4 tornado hit Harrisburg on February 29, killing seven people. “Governor Pat Quinn said he was preparing an appeal,” according to Reuters. In the meantime, other disaster assistance is available: See the Disaster Resources listed below.
Employees who have lost their jobs as a direct result of the disasters in the declared areas might be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, if they’re not eligible for standard state unemployment benefits. Because self-employed individuals typically aren’t eligible for standard benefits, DUA also covers those who have lost income due to a disaster and meet the other eligibility requirements.
To file a claim for DUA (or standard state unemployment benefits) in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee or West Virginia, contact the state unemployment office or a full-service One-Stop Career Center. Don’t delay for long in filing your DUA claim, as the window is typically open for only 30 days after DUA becomes available.
To apply for other disaster assistance, see Apply for Assistance at FEMA or call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster victims who have speech or hearing impairments may call 800-462-7585 through their TTY devices.
Beware of scams! Con artists attempt to exploit victims by charging bogus fees for filing DUA claims. Filing a DUA claim is always free, as is filing a claim for standard state unemployment benefits. Never pay a fee, no matter how “governmentally official” or unsuspecting the so-called “offer” seems. There are several other disaster recovery scams to avoid, too. See also Justice Department Officials Raise Awareness of Disaster Fraud Hotline.
If you have limited means and need legal assistance as the victim of a disaster or a related scam, some local lawyers volunteer to help victims by charging no fees or only small fees. A free lawyer referral service might be able to help you find such a lawyer, as might a non-profit legal-aid organization in your state.
EmployeeIssues.com has updated this post as more information became available. The last update of significance was on 3/17/12.
Disaster Resources
