ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Labor announced Wednesday that workers in seven Georgia counties may be eligible for unemployment assistance to make up for work compensation lost during Jan. 12′s severe storms.
Those who live in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding, and Troup counties are eligible to apply for these benefits. This announcement comes a few days after President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration, providing federal funding for people in these counties.
“The heavy damage that results from natural disasters often forces businesses to close for repairs, leaving owners and employees without incomes,” State Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said. “These federal unemployment benefits help provide a financial bridge until their incomes resume.”
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The state says this form of assistance differs from regular insurance because it provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, diversified farming operators, loggers, commission-paid employees, and others who are not eligible under the state’s program.
Applicants may be eligible for a weekly benefit of up to $365.
Those impacted by the severe storms must first apply for regular unemployment insurance on the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) website at dol.georgia.gov or in-person at any GDOL career center.
The GDOL will then notify applicants if they are also eligible to file for DUA. The deadline to apply for DUA is Feb. 17.
Applicants must verify their income when applying.
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Applications can be filed in person at any GDOL career center, but people are encouraged to apply on the GDOL website at dol.georgia.gov. To find additional information on DUA and the GDOL career center locations, visit dol.georgia.gov or call the GDOL toll-free at 1-877-709-8185.
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