Employment Law News

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United states. Before an individual can be determined eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, it must be established that the individual is not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or federal law). The program is administered by states as agents of the federal government.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to individuals for weeks of unemployment beginning after the date the major disaster began and for up to 26 weeks after the major disaster was declared by the President, as long as their unemployment continues to be a result of the major disaster.

The maximum weekly benefit amount is determined under the provisions of the state law for unemployment insurance in the state where the disaster occurred. Claims should be filed in accordance with the state's instructions published in announcements about the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance, or contact the State Unemployment Insurance agency.

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	Did You Know?
	Second Injury Fund benefits may be available durring employment However, after the first 450 weeks of benefits for total and permanent disability, wages from employment will be used to reduce your benefit amount. The reduction is based upon the percentage that your current earnings bear to those at the time of your being declared totally and permanently disabled.