Staff Reports
Emergency unemployment assistance is now available to people who lost their jobs as a direct result of Hurricane Hermine, Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday.
Under the federal disaster declaration approved Wednesday, people who lost jobs because of the storm, and who are not eligible for regular joblessness benefits, may apply for assistance through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Scott said.
The disaster zone includes Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
“We will continue to provide every available resource to our communities as we work together to rebuild and recover from this storm,” Scott said.
Those typically not eligible for regular unemployment benefits include the self-employed, farm and ranch workers, and commercial fishermen.
“Disaster Unemployment provides help to individuals who lost their job through no fault of their own because of Hurricane Hermine,” said Cissy Proctor, executive director of the department. “This assistance will bridge the gap for individuals as they get back on their feet.”
The deadline to apply for the benefits is Oct. 31. To qualify, applicants must have become unemployed or unable to get to work as a direct result of the disaster. People who became the major support for a household because of a death or injury caused by the storm also are eligible.
To file a claim, go to http://connect.floridajobs.org or call 1-800-681-8102.
