Disaster Unemployment Assistance application period ends soon

Eligible Leon, Wakulla and Levy county residents who lost wages, their jobs or businesses due to inclement weather between March 26 and May 5 have until June 15 at 7 p.m. to register for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Although many workers are covered by the state's regular unemployment compensation program, those not covered may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. This is a federally funded program that assists individuals who become unemployed as a direct result of the declared disaster and who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. The program also covers self-employed individuals, owners of farms and ranches, farm and ranch workers as well as fishers and others who are not normally covered by state unemployment compensation. DUA benefits are available to unemployed individuals for up to 26 weeks from the date of the disaster declaration. The 26-week assistance period for this disaster ends September 26, 2009. For information about how to apply and what documents are required, storm survivors can find information online at www.fluidnow.com or www.floridajobs.org. You can also call 800-204-2418, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.