Ohio Gov. Notes Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available Following Storms

Ohio Governor Bob Taft has announced that Ohioans affected by the recent storms and flooding in Harrison and Holmes counties are eligible for additional assistance through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“This additional assistance will help cushion the impact of the severe weather by providing temporary income to support laid off workers,” Taft said.

Eligibility for Unemployment Compensation is broadened under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program to include people who, as a result of the disaster: no longer have a job; are unable to reach their place of employment; were to have started new employment but cannot; have become the major supporter for a household because the head of household died in the disaster; or cannot work because of injury.

Self-employed individuals and farmers who are not covered by unemployment insurance may also be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Individuals who have exhausted unemployment eligibility may also qualify for these benefits.

Applications for these benefits may be filed by calling the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services toll-free at 1-877-644-6562 (877-OHIO-JOB) from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Applicants should be prepared to provide a Social Security number and driver license or state ID number and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all employers within the last 18 months. Individuals in these counties must apply by Aug. 6.

Individuals may also be eligible for other federal programs, such as crisis counseling, disaster legal services or extraordinary agricultural expenses.