Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced on Tuesday that workers who became unemployed due to severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes in Autauga and Dallas Counties may qualify for unemployment assistance.
President Joe Biden designated the area as a natural disaster area. Because of that, residents who became unemployed due to severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of January 12, 2023, may be eligible for assistance under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program.
“Generally, those who are eligible for state unemployment benefits are not eligible for DUA, but a claimant may qualify if state unemployment compensation benefits are exhausted,” said Washington. “If you believe you are entitled to these benefits, I urge you to file a claim to see if you are eligible.”
Those who might be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance include the following:
· individuals who no longer have a job, are unable to reach the place of employment, or were scheduled to start work in the major disaster area and the job no longer exists
· those who became the breadwinner or major support of the family because the head of household died
· or those who cannot work because of an injury incurred during the major disaster.
All of the previously described circumstances must be a direct result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.
Claims can be filed through the Alabama Department Of Labor website or by calling 1-866-234-5382.
The deadline to file a DUA claim is February 16, 2023, for Autauga and Dallas Counties.
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