Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 12, 2003

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE IN ELEVEN ADDITIONAL MISSOURI COUNTIES

Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announces an amendment to the May 6, 2003 Presidential disaster declaration to include individuals living or working in 11 additional counties.  Individuals who are living or working in these 11 counties and those living or working in the 39 counties declared in the previous declaration who are unemployed due to the recent severe spring storms and tornadoes may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.

The 11 additional counties are:  Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Franklin, Jefferson, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Washington.

The original 39 counties are:  Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Camden, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Saline, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Vernon and Webster counties.

Disaster unemployment assistance is intended for individuals who are not eligible for benefits under a state’s regular unemployment insurance program.  Farmers or other self-employed individuals and individuals who are denied regular unemployment insurance benefits may now be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.

Individuals who need information about how to file a claim should call (800) 788-4002.   Claims should be filed as soon as possible, but no later than June 6, 2003 for the original 39 counties and no later than June 11, 2003 for the additional 11 counties.