LITTLE ROCK, AR - Individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of the severe storms, tornadoes and associated flooding that began in eight Arkansas counties on April 23, 2011, may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, according to Artee Williams, the director of the Department of Workforce Services.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President Barrack Obama on May 2, 2011, declared Benton, Clay, Faulkner, Garland, Lincoln, Pulaski, Randolph and Saline counties federal disaster areas. Among the different types of assistance available to individuals and households by the president’s declaration is unemployment assistance. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) or Emergency Unemployment Compensation may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits up to 26 weeks.

Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

DUA claims must be filed during the period May 5, 2011, through June 3, 2011, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours will be extended as needed. DWS offices also will provide re-employment assistance where appropriate.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment ...