La. DOL Extends Disaster Unemployment Assistance Filing Following Hurricane Rita

The Louisiana Department of Labor announced that those affected by Hurricane Rita have until Nov. 30 to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Because of the widespread devastation to homes and businesses in southwestern Louisiana, individuals will have additional time to file claims and provide supporting documentation. Under normal circumstances, individuals must apply for disaster unemployment benefits within 30 days of a disaster declaration and provide supporting paperwork within 21 days of filing an application.

To receive DUA benefits, individuals must provide their social security number, proof of wages, and proof of employment, including the name and address of the last employer. Self-employed individuals must provide their business and financial records, including federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year.

Claims may be filed several ways: in person at any LDOL One Stop or job center; online at www.LAWORKS.net; or by calling (800) 430-8076 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

DUA provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States.

DUA has been authorized for individuals who resided or work in the following five parishes: Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard, Vermilion and Jefferson Davis.

Earlier this month, individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina also received an extension to Nov. 30 for filing disaster unemployment assistance claims.

The LDOL also noted that the following offices have re-opened:

Houma Job Center, Morgan City Job Center, New Iberia Job Center, Opelousas Job Center, Natchitoches Job Center, and Lafayette Job Center.

These LDOL offices in storm-damaged areas remain closed until further notice:

Rapides Job Center (Alexandria), Crowley Job Center, LAWORKS/Calcasieu Workforce Center (Lake Charles), Vernon Job Center (Leesville), Beauregard One-Stop (DeRidder), Allen Job Center (Oakdale), East Jefferson One Stop (Metairie), East St. Tammany One-Stop (Slidell), New Orleans East, New Orleans Job Center, St. Bernard One-Stop (Chalmette), West Jefferson Job Center (Harvey)·and West St. Tammany (Covington).