FRANKFORT – Governor Andy Beshear announced on Sunday the nine Kentucky counties, including Magoffin, has federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) available for those who’s employment was affected by the severe flooding that occurred earlier this year.
According to the press release on DUA, people in the nine counties who either became unemployed or who are self-employed and had work interrupted as a direct result if the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides between February 27 and March 14 are eligible to apply for DUA benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.
President Joe Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration on April 23, at the request of Governor Beshear, which designated nine Kentucky counties – Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin and Powell – disaster areas, which made federal funds, such as DUA, available to those affected.
In order to qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster and that they are not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits under state or federal law, the press release noted. Farmers and other self-employed individuals who are traditionally ineligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits may qualify for DUA.
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-875-0442 to file their initial claim before coming to the in-person sessions in Salyersville. The deadline to apply for assistance is June 5.
After claimants apply for UI benefits, they should attend an in-person session at the Lloyd M. Hall Community Center, 68 South Church Center in Salyersville. While staff have been in town the last two days, they will also be at the community center to assist claimants from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, May 13, and again May 18 through May 20, also 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Staff will be at this location to assist only those affected by the disaster and will not be able to handle any other UI claims during these events.
When filing a claim in-person, self-employed individuals should bring a copy of their 2020 income tax return. Other applicants need to supply a photo identification and bill showing their current address.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and benefits that are not charged to employers.
