Deadline extended for disaster unemployment help

Iowans in 35 counties who lost thier job due to natural disasters between June 1 and August 31 have been given more time to apply for disaster unemployment assistance, according to state officials.

Iowa Workforce Development announced an extended filing deadline of Nov. 1 for disaster unemployment assistance in counties with disaster declarations except in Monroe County, where the filing deadline remains Nov. 4.

“This is welcomed relief for Iowans across the state,” Iowa Workforce Development Director Elisabeth Buck said. “This extension provided needed relief to Iowans and farmers in particular who are still making assessments of crop damage.”

The benefits cover self-employed workers not usually entitled to unemployment insurance, including Iowa farmers.

Applicants must provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and their most recent income tax form. Any Iowa Workforce Development Center can accept the claims or individuals can file on the Workforce website at “file an unemployment claim."

Eligibility extends beyond those who lost their jobs directly due to natural disasters. Other eligibility categories include Iowans who were prevented by the disaster from beginning employment or self employment, and Iowans who ca't work because of an injury caused directly by a disaster.