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FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced on Wednesday, April 28, that workers who became unemployed as a direct result of severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Shelby counties may qualify for unemployment assistance.

People who live in or worked in these counties and became unemployed due to severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes during the period of March 25-26 may be eligible for assistance under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, which was triggered when President Biden designated the area as a disaster on April 26.

“Generally, those who are eligible for state unemployment benefits are not eligible for DUA, but a claimant may qualify if state unemployment compensation benefits are exhausted,” Washington said. “If you believe you are entitled to these benefits, I urge you to file a claim to see if you are eligible.”

People who may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance include the following: individuals who no longer have a job, are unable to reach the place of employment, or were scheduled to start work in the major disaster area and the job no longer exists; those who became the breadwinner or major support of the family because the head of household died, or those who cannot work because of an injury incurred during the major disaster.

All of the previously described circumstances must be as a direct result of the storm.

Self-employed individuals must provide a copy of their 2020 tax return, business license, or Form 1099 within 21 days after applying for DUA benefits.

Claims can be filed through ADOL’s website at Labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382. The deadline to file a DUA claim is May 28.