FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 12, 2011) – July 22 is the last day that individuals in Floyd County can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for weather-related jobless benefits.

Officials from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced June 22, 2011, that individuals in Floyd County who lost work or whose businesses were closed due to severe weather that occurred beginning mid April 2011, may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

Farmers and self-employed people, who are normally not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

All regular unemployment insurance benefits must be exhausted or denied prior to applying for disaster benefits. If you applied for regular unemployment insurance benefits and were denied, please report to your local OET office and complete the application for disaster benefits prior to the cut-off date.

When filing a claim, self-employed individuals should bring a copy of their 2010 income tax return. Other applicants need only a photo-identification card and their Social Security number.
OET helps individuals prepare for, secure and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department of Workforce Investment. For more information about services, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov or www.workforce.ky.gov.