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 individuals 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 the disaster either no longer has a job or a place to work; can’t reach the place of work; can’t work because the place of work is so 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 varies and is determined under the provisions of the state law for unemployment compensation in the state where the disaster occurred. However, the minimum weekly amount is half of the average benefit amount in the state. To learn more about eligibility and filing a claim, contact your state unemployment insurance agency.