The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-1981-DR is quickly approaching. Individuals in Burleigh and Ward counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to flooding beginning February 14 and continuing must apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance on or before August 26, 2011.
The first possible week of Disaster Unemployment Assistance compensation is the week beginning February 20, 2011 and ending February 26, 2011. Benefit payments can continue through November 12, 2011 as long as the unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster.
Individuals can file Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits claims:
-Online at jobsnd.com
-By mail or fax – Forms are located under the Disaster Unemployment link on jobsnd.com. Simply print, complete and return as indicated on the forms.
-By phone – Call Job Service at 701-328-1152, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST).
Business owners who are self-employed and farmers are often unaware of potential benefits to which they may be entitled. If individuals are self-employed or farmers, but have lost all or part of their livelihood as a direct result of the flooding, they may be eligible for benefits.
To file a claim, individuals need their Social Security Number, a copy of their 2010 federal income tax forms, business financial statements, pay stubs/vouchers, trip tickets, crop elevator receipts/credits, bank receipts, a statement from their last employer affirming their employment at the time of the disaster, or a copy of a letter of hire. In addition, self-employed individuals and farmers need to include a copy of Schedule C, F, SE or K with Form 1040. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the claim was filed.
Claims filed by individuals in Burleigh and Ward counties after August 26 will be considered untimely and benefits will be denied unless individuals provide good cause for filing after this date. More details are available on jobsnd.com under the “Unemployment for Individuals” link. Job seekers and employers should contact their local Job Service office for reemployment assistance. Go to jobsnd.com to find the Job Service office nearest you.