March 14 Deadline Nears for Alaskans to File for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

WASHINGTON, March 11 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

Alaska workers in the Municipality of Anchorage, Mat-Su Borough and Kenai Peninsula Borough whose source of income was affected by the Nov. 30 earthquake may be eligible for the state's Disaster Unemployment Assistance program.

This program is designed for those who are self-employed or not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment assistance. Workers who are covered by the state of Alaska's regular unemployment insurance would follow the standard unemployment insurance process.

Individuals may be eligible for up to 35 weeks of benefits beginning Dec. 2, 2018.

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and disbursed by the State of Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

To apply, call: 888-252-2557 or 907-269-4700 Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applications must be submitted by March 14.

Applicants must provide:

* Social Security Number.

* Contact information for their most recent employer.

* Dates worked.

* Documentation of wages or self-employment earnings.

Individuals may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance if they:

* Became unemployed or unable to work as a direct result of the disaster.

* Have exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits.

* Worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment, in the designated areas.

* Are unable to get to work as a direct result of the disaster.

* Are available and able to work, unless injured as a direct result of the disaster.

* Have not turned down an offer of employment in a comparable position.

* Can no longer work because of damage or destruction to their place of employment caused by the disaster.

For more information, contact:

State of Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Pamela.Frenette@alaska.gov

* 907-465-1152

* Pam Frenette, Disaster Unemployment Assistance Coordinator.