New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that federal disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) is available for residents who lost work or income because of Hurricane Sandy. The federal benefits are available to people who live or work in the Bronx and in Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties.
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The deadline for applying for DUA has been extended from December 3, 2012, to February 4, 2013. Claimants have up to 90 days to submit proof of employment or self-employment and will be provided an IRS link to expedite the retrieval of lost or destroyed tax documents.
The eligibility requirements for collecting disaster assistance are broader than for regular unemployment benefits. Anyone unemployed as a result of Hurricane Sandy can submit a claim to the Department of Labor (DOL), including people who:
- Were injured in the disaster and unable to work, whether they are employees or self-employed;
- Lost work because of damage to their workplace;
- Were unable to travel to work because of the storm; or
- Were scheduled to begin working but could not because of the disaster.
The DOL noted that this list is not exhaustive and encouraged anyone unsure of the eligibility requirements to apply for DUA.
Governor Cuomo noted that the federal government has committed to providing assistance as the need arises.
Related article: NY extends deadlines for WC and disability benefits policyholders affected by Sandy