Gov. Scott: Disaster unemployment assistance now available

Florida Governor Rick Scott said residents have a month to file a request for disaster benefits by Nov. 18, 2016.

Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and must have been working in or residing in Flagler, St. Johns, Volusia and Putnam counties.

Governor Rick Scott announced that Floridians who have lost jobs as a result of severe storms and flooding during Hurricane Matthew may be entitled to federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

“I have spoken firsthand with many families and business owners who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew," Scott said. We are committed to helping these communities fully recover from this devastating storm, and helping Floridians get back to work is one of the most important ways to do so."

On Oct. 17, the federal government approved a limited part of Governor Scott’s request for a major disaster declaration for Flagler, St. John, Volusia and Putnam counties, allowing the use of Disaster Unemployment Assistance funds for individuals affected by the storm.

Gov. Scott said he is continuing to urge President Obama to approve the remaining counties that were impacted by the storm.

To file a Disaster Unemployment claim, go to https://connect.myflorida.com or call 1-800-681-8102.

Other counties in Georgia will provide unemployment assistance after the hurricane, including Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, McIntosh and Wayne counties.

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said that workers in these counties may now be eligible for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to compensate for income lost Oct. 4-15 as a direct result of Hurricane Matthew.

People must first apply for regular unemployment insurance on the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) website at dol.georgia.gov, or in-person at any GDOL career center.

The GDOL will notify claimants if they are also eligible to file for DUA. Eligible claimants must apply for DUA no later than Friday, Nov. 18.

Cox Media Group