NINE OKLAHOMA COUNTIES NOW ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission announced today that residents of nine Oklahoma counties are eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Following the severe storms and tornadoes of May 8, 2003 and continuing, President Bush issued a declaration of disaster for the counties, clearing the way for this financial assistance. Effective May 10, 2003, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to the following counties:

 Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. Before an individual can be determined eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, it must be established that the individual is not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits. Individuals who were living or working in the previously mentioned counties at the time of the disaster and who are unemployed as a direct result may be eligible for DUA. The first payable week for DUA related to this disaster is May 11, 2003.  DUA applications will only be taken for a 30-day period ending on June 13, 2003. To file an application, contact your nearest Workforce Oklahoma office at (888) 840-9675.

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