Dec. 20—Charleston — Gov. Jim Justice and WorkForce West Virginia announced Thursday that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available to eligible individuals who live or work in Mercer County.
Mercer County was designated a major disaster area by President Joe Biden on December 9, following an official request from the governor. This statement covers the incident period of September 25 to 28, when high winds and flooding from Hurricane Helene hit the province.
Individuals who live or work in the county and have lost their jobs due to the severe storms can apply for federal unemployment benefits, Justice said.
Claims must be submitted by February 7, 2025. The storm in Mercer County is listed as disaster number 4851.
DUA benefits are available to self-employed people, including farmers, who are generally not entitled to unemployment benefits. Those applying must provide proof of past income, such as business documents or bank statements and income tax forms, within 21 days of the application being submitted.
People unemployed due to the September 25-28 storm should contact WorkForce West Virginia by emailing ucpolicy@wv.gov or calling 304-558-3340 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The people eligible for DUA benefits include: — Individuals who cannot reach their work or self-employment location because they have to travel through the affected area and are unable to do so due to the disaster. — Individuals who were going to be self-employed or self-employed but were prevented from doing so by the disaster. — Persons who have become the breadwinner or main support for a household due to the death of the head of the household as a result of the disaster. — Individuals who cannot be self-employed or provide services due to an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.
Unemployment is a direct consequence of the major disaster if the unemployment is the result of: — The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment. — The physical inaccessibility of the workplace due to its closure by the federal, state, or local government in immediate response to the disaster. — Lack of work or loss of income, if the employer or self-employed business received at least the majority of its income or income prior to the disaster from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed during the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area that has been closed by the federal, state, or local government.
In addition to helping you file a DUA claim, WorkForce West Virginia offers reemployment services, including resume services, job search assistance and job placement. For more information or to report fraud, call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).
Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
