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 19, 2003

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE IN EIGHTEEN 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 18 additional counties.  Individuals who are living or working in these 18 counties who are unemployed due to the recent severe spring storms and tornadoes may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.

The 18 additional counties are:  Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, Ralls, Randolph and Shelby counties.  Claims for these 18 counties should be filed as soon as possible, but no later than June 18, 2003.

There were 11 additional counties declared on May 9, 2003.  Those counties are:  Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Franklin, Jefferson, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard and Washington.  Claims for these 11 counties must be filed no later than June 11, 2003.

The original 39 counties declared as federal disaster areas 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.  Claims for these 39 counties must be filed no later than June 6, 2003.

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.