For Further Information, Contact:                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEMA - Syd Holden              (540) 988-8418              August 10, 2001
VDEM - Suzanne Simmons   (540) 988-8422             FEMA-1386DR-VA-NR29
         

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE -- APPLICATION DEADLINE NEARS

TAZEWELL, VA -- Monday, August 20 is the deadline for residents in Tazewell County to apply for disaster unemployment assistance as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred across the Commonwealth on July and thereafter. Disaster unemployment assistance deadlines are set according to when a designated jurisdiction was declared eligible for disaster assistance.

Individuals living and/or working in Tazewell County whose unemployment is a direct result of the disaster have until Monday, August 20 to apply.

Self-employed and unemployed workers who are not covered by regular state unemployment insurance programs may apply for this federally funded assistance made available by the major disaster declaration by President Bush on July 12. Under this program, benefits of up to $268 per week may be paid to eligible individuals until they are able to return to work.

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. Applicants should bring their Social Security number and, if possible, documentation showing earnings for the calendar year of 2000.

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