COLUMBUS (February 19, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that President George W. Bush has approved federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance for citizens in Belmont County who suffered losses due to severe storms and flooding that began January 3.

"We need to assist the people who were impacted by severe weather however we can," said Governor Taft. "This declaration will make it easier for them to qualify for unemployment benefits."

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 in Belmont County must apply by March 12.

Disaster Unemployment benefits were approved in late January for residents in Franklin, Jefferson, Licking, Morgan, Ross, Tuscarawas and Washington counties. The deadline for individuals in these counties to apply for assistance is March 1.

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

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