Somerset — Pulaski Countians who lost work or whose businesses were damaged due to severe weather May 1, 2010, have been added to the list of those who qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DAU). They will have until July 15 to file claims for weather-related unemployment insurance. Some persons who normally would not qualify for jobless benefits may be eligible under this special relief program.Yesterday, the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Pulaski was among 46 additional counties to be declared eligible for federal unemployment assistance. That brings to 61 the number of Kentucky counties now eligible for disaster-related unemployment benefits claims.

Yesterday's announcement came just a day after FEMA opened its Disaster Recovery Center at Hal Rogers Fire Training Center at 180 Oak Leaf Lane, Somerset. FEMA representatives have spent the last few days canvassing homeowners in areas flooded in the storm notifying them of special federal disaster assistance that is now available. The deadline for registering for FEMA assistance is July 12. (Due to a typographical error, Tuesday's Commonwealth Journal inadvertently listed the disaster assistance deadline as July 1. But the correct date is July 12.)Farmers and self-employed people, who are normally not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, may also qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

July 15, 2010, is the deadline for applying for unemployment benefits. All regular unemployment insurance benefits must be exhausted prior to receiving any disaster benefits. Applications can be filed at local OET offices.When filing a claim, self-employed individuals should bring a copy of their 2009 income tax return. Other applicants need only a photo-identification card and their Social Security number.

Additional information about this disaster is available at:www.kyem.ky.gov/currentdisasters

www.fema.govOET 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.