For the fastest processing, individuals from the states hit by Hurricane Katrina seeking to file unemployment compensation as result of this disaster should file through their home state workforce agency listed below. Should those efforts be unsuccessful, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Unemployment claims line at 1-877-644-6562 (1-877-OHIO-JOB) can accept the claims information Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and forward it to the individual's home state agency.

In the states impacted by Hurricane Katrina, 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.

Individuals who are already receiving unemployment benefits from another state and have relocated to Ohio should follow instructions from that state to continue receiving benefits.

Current claims information for the impacted states:
Alabama - Claims may filed by calling 1-866-234-5382 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Daylight Time Monday through Friday. More information is available at dir.alabama.gov

Louisiana - Claims may be filed over the Internet at the Louisiana Department of Labor Web site at www.laworks.net, or by calling 1-800-818-7811 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

Mississippi - Claims can now be filed by calling 1-888-844-3577 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time, seven days a week.

Individuals seeking assistance in finding employment in Ohio can register with the online job referral system at www.scoti.ohio.gov or visit a local One-Stop employment center.

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