Two More La. Parishes Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Help

The Louisiana Department of Labor reported that Sabine and St. Landry parishes have been added to the list of parishes whose residents and employees are eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

The parishes of Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard, Vermilion, Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Mary, Allen, Lafourche, Ascension, St. Martin, Vernon, West Baton Rouge and Terrebonne have already been designated by the federal government as eligible for disaster unemployment benefits in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.

Individuals living or working in these parishes have until Nov. 30 to file for DUA. 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 1-800-430-8076 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.

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

The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, Louisiana’s fund for Louisiana’s people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies.

Contact the foundation at 1-877-HELPLA1 (1-877-435-7521) or www.louisianahelp.org.