Disaster declaration opens Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Linn County residents

By: John Steppe Aug. 25, 2020 4:56 pm Updated: Aug. 25, 2020 5:25 pm

Unemployed Linn County residents who cannot apply for regular state unemployment benefits may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as part of last week's major disaster declaration signed by President Donald Trump.

Workers 'whose unemployment was caused as a direct result of the major disaster” since Aug. 10 can receive the benefit.

They also have to work in Linn County and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Anyone who can no longer work because of a storm-related injury or physical damage to their employer's facility also are eligible.

Applications are available on Iowa Workforce Development's website and due Sept. 24.

Eligibility for the benefits, which last up to 27 weeks, is determined on a week-by-week basis.

Comments: (319) 398-8394; john.steppe@thegazette.com

R.S. Hanline and Co. and the Cambridge Townhouses on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids were damaged by the Aug. 10 derecho storm. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)

People needing food assistance and other supplies wait to make a list for shoppers at the Iowa Derecho Storm Resource Page site in northeast Cedar Rapids on Aug. 18. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)