Governor Gregoire Announces Federal Aid Available for Workers Affected by November Storms

For Immediate Release: December 14, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that President Bush has approved her request for a federal disaster declaration for Washington workers who lost their jobs, are unable to get to work or were injured because of severe storms that struck Washington last month. Under the disaster declaration, these workers may be eligible for unemployment benefits.

�I know many people lost their homes and belongings in the record rains and flooding of last month and to looking for work while you are focused on repairing your home and getting back to a daily routine is extremely difficult,� said Governor Gregoire. �I hope this additional support will help as Washingtonians work to recover and rebuild their communities.�

The President's declaration authorizes the Employment Security Department to provide disaster unemployment assistance for workers who lost their jobs in Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties. Benefits are available to people who are out of work due to severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides between November 2 and November 11, and who do not qualify for other unemployment benefits.

How to Apply:

• Applications are available online and must be received by January 13, 2007. Unemployed workers may also request an application by phone at 1-877-416-7274, by e-mail at [email protected] or in person at local WorkSource centers. Qualified applicants will be eligible to receive $157 to $496 per week in benefits.
  
• Washingtonians who are self-employed are also eligible for disaster-unemployment assistance if they became unemployed as a direct result of the storms. They must submit a copy of their 2005 tax return or documentation showing their net earnings from tax year 2005 with their application.