Financial Relief for Survivors of Disaster

Aug. 31, 2005 — -- During times of natural disasters, there are several forms of relief often offered to American workers, says Tory Johnson, chief executive officer of Women For Hire.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides unemployment insurance to individuals whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. Funding is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and it is administered through the affected states' departments of labor.

There are two important distinctions between this type of unemployment assistance and traditional unemployment benefits. In the case of a declared natural disaster, expanded conditions apply making two groups of workers eligible who ordinarily wouldn't qualify for such benefits:

DUA provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. The amount of the weekly benefit varies by the state. For example, Alabama's weekly maximum benefit is currently $220 per week and Louisiana's weekly maximum benefit is now $258 per week.

Typically, an eligible worker has up to 30 days to apply from the time a county is declared a disaster area. Local officials communicate those dates and deadlines through a variety of channels once their procedures are in place. Since communication is virtually shut down in many cities and counties, there is often a brief delay in setting up and relaying such information.

In most cases, there is no need to apply in person as states are setting up toll-free numbers to facilitate filing. (In Alabama, the number is 866-234-5382. Louisiana and Mississippi will be setting up and disseminating numbers shortly.) Applicants will need to provide some basic information, such as their employer, earnings/wages, contact information, Social Security number and proof of identity. In many cases, qualified workers are able to set up electronic payment options to avoid the challenges associated with mailing paper checks, especially to residents who've been displaced.