June 27, 2011
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Designated Areas. Individuals affected by flooding have 30 days to apply for assistance.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for the Presidential-declared disaster, FEMA-1981-DR, for individuals in Burleigh and Ward counties as a result of flooding in North Dakota beginning February 20, 2011 and continuing.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to individuals who:
? Worked or were self-employed in or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment, but were unable to do so because of the disaster,? Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster,
? Establish that work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income,? Do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits from any state,
? Cannot perform work or self-employment due to an injury resulting directly from the disaster,? Have become the breadwinners or major support of a household because of the death of the head of household due to the disaster
? Cannot reach their place of employment as a direct result of the disaster.For individuals affected in the areas listed above, claims filed after July 27, 2011 will be considered untimely and benefits will be denied unless the individuals provide good cause for filing after this date.
The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes is the week ending February 26, 2011 and up to November 12, 2011 as long as the unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. The Disaster Unemployment Assistance weekly benefit amount is based on wages or self-employment income earned during calendar year 2010 and is determined by North Dakota unemployment insurance law.
To file a claim, individuals need their Social Security Number, a copy of their 2010 federal income tax forms, business financial statements, pay stubs/vouchers, trip tickets, crop elevator receipts/credits, bank receipts, a statement from their last employer affirming their employment at the time of the disaster, or a copy of a letter of hire. In addition, self-employed individuals and farmers need to include a copy of Schedule C, F, SE or K with Form 1040. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the claim was filed.
Individuals can file initial DUA benefits claims:
? Online at jobsnd.com? By mail or fax – Forms are located under the Disaster Unemployment link on jobsnd.com. Simply print, complete and return as indicated on the forms.
? By phone – Call Job Service at 701-328-1152, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Job seekers and employers should contact their local Job Service office for reemployment assistance. Go to jobsnd.com to find the Job Service office nearest you.