For Further Information, Contact:
FEMA - Syd Holden              (540) 988-8418
VDEM - Suzanne Simmons   (540) 988-8422  

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      August 02, 2001
      FEMA-1386DR-VA-NR18

TAZEWELL, VA. -- Self-employed and unemployed workers who are not covered by regular state unemployment insurance programs may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance under the major disaster declaration for Tazewell County made by President Bush on July 12, 2001, and extended to six additional jurisdictions on August 1. Under this program, benefits of up to $268 per week may be paid to eligible individuals until they are able to return to work.

The six additional jurisdictions declared disaster areas on August 1 are the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Scott, Smyth and Wise.

Disaster unemployment assistance covers those who:

• Are unable to work because their place of employment was put out of operation or they were unable to travel to their workplace due to the effects of the flood damage;
• Are self employed but are prevented from working due to the effects of the flood damage;
• Have become the breadwinner or major support of a household because the head of the household died as a direct result of the disaster; or
• Cannot work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.

Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should visit the nearest Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) field office. The deadline for applying is September 4, 2001. Applicants should bring their Social Security number and, if possible, documentation showing earnings for the calendar year of 2000.