Disaster News

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Small Business Administration

February 28, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma residents who lost work because of the severe storms and tornadoes Feb. 10-11, may be eligible to receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Residents of Carter, Logan and Oklahoma counties have until March 19, 2009 to apply.

The benefits are funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in a 26-week program administered by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The program is available to unemployed U.S. nationals, tribal members, and qualified aliens.

To be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must live or work in Carter, Logan or Oklahoma county.
• Unemployment must be a direct result of the recent storms.
• You must have a legal right to work in the U.S.

One of the following conditions of unemployment must have occurred:

• You no longer have a job as a direct result of the disaster.
• You were scheduled to start work, but because of the disaster you do not have a job or you are unable to reach your workplace. 
• You cannot work because of a disaster-related illness or injury.
• You are self-employed and lost your source of income because of the disaster.
• You became the household’s breadwinner or major supporter because the head of the household died as a direct result of the disaster.

You will not receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance if you qualify for regular state unemployment benefits.

Individuals within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area can call 405-525-1500 to establish a claim and start the unemployment assistance process. Those outside of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area should call 800-555-1554.

Persons requesting Disaster Unemployment Assistance who had to relocate should make sure the U.S. Postal Service has their current address. Change of address requests can be submitted online at www.usps.com. After changing an address, contact FEMA to update applicant files online www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

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