Important News
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (Last updated September 2, 2011)
Individuals that live or work in Albany, Clinton, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Montgomery, Nassau, Orange, Otsego, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren and Westchester counties, who have become unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Irene, may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) relief.
You may qualify for DUA even though you would not normally be eligible for UI benefits. The first step for those affected is to call the Telephone Claims Center (TCC) at 1-888-209-8124, or 1-877-358-5306 if you live out of state. Answer the questions to indicate that you lost your job as a direct result of the effects of Hurricane Irene. In order to receive DUA, you must apply by October 3, 2011.
Examples of reasons for unemployment that may make a person eligible to receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
- You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed.
- Your workplace was damaged, destroyed, or you can't work because of the disaster.
- Your transportation to work is not available because of the disaster.
- You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area, and you cannot do that because of the disaster.
- You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster.
- You derived most of your income from areas affected by the disaster, whether you worked for yourself or for an employer, and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster.
Please note - this list is not exhaustive, and if you are uncertain as to your eligibility, you are encouraged to apply. All applicants will be required to submit wage information and documentation supporting their application.
