By CHAD ABSHIRE

Staff Writer

People who are unemployed as a direct result of the March 15-31 storms and flooding in Mingo County can now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance program benefits.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

A person may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

• They were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed;

• Their workplace was damaged or destroyed;

• Their transportation to work is not available;

• They cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area;

• They were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster;

• They derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster.

The DUA is funded by the FEMA, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply, go to a Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. The offices are in Charleston, Huntington and Logan. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find a local Workforce office address by dialing 211. One should have their Social Security number, earnings from the most recent tax year and employment history available.

The deadline for filing a claim is May 23.