Can You Get Disaster Unemployment Insurance?

Full Video Transcript

Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1974, when a major disaster has been declared by the president, those who find themselves unemployed as a result of the disaster may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance. The program provides benefit assistance to any unemployed worker or self-employed individual who lived, worked, or was scheduled to work in the disaster area at the time of the disaster. But because of it, either no longer has a job or a place to work, can’t get to work, can’t work because the property is damaged, or can’t work because of an injury caused by the disaster. Benefits may be payable for up to 26 weeks. The maximum weekly benefit amount differs depending on the state unemployment laws where the disaster occurred. To learn more about eligibility and filing a claim, contact your state unemployment insurance agency.