COLUMBUS (January 28, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that President George W. Bush has approved federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance for citizens in Franklin, Jefferson, Licking, Morgan, Ross, Tuscarawas and Washington counties who suffered losses due to severe storms and flooding that began January 3, 2004.

"Thanks to the President's approval, we now have another tool that can help those whose lives were disrupted by severe weather," said Taft.

Eligibility for Unemployment Compensation is broadened under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program to include people who, as a result of the disaster: no longer have a job; are unable to reach their place of employment; were to have started new employment but cannot; have become the major supporter for a household because the head of household died in the disaster; or cannot work because of injury. Self employed individuals and farmers who are not covered by unemployment insurance may also be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Individuals who have exhausted unemployment eligibility may also qualify for these benefits.

Applications for these benefits may be filed by calling the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services toll-free at 1-877-644-6562 (877-OHIO-JOB) from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Applicants should be prepared to provide a Social Security number and driver license or state ID number and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all employers within the last 18 months. Individuals must apply by March 1, 2004.

Individuals may also be eligible for other federal programs, such as crisis counseling, disaster legal services or extraordinary agricultural expenses.

# # #