Disaster Unemployment Assistance made available in 10 Tennessee counties hit by storms

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development says Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available in 10 Tennessee counties impacted by recent tornadoes and declared in the Federal Disaster Declaration.

The department is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from workers whose employment or self-employment was impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes occurring between March 31 and April 1 in the approved counties, including Hardin.

Applications from individuals who live in, work in, or travel through these counties must be submitted by May 10.

DUA, which is an unemployment insurance benefit made available after a disaster, is only available to eligible individuals who meet the following criteria.

1. Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any state, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits.

2. Worked, or were self-employed, or scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area.

3. Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster.

4. Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income.

5. Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster.

6. Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of the household.

Workers can apply for DUA at Jobs4TN.gov or by calling 877-813-0950 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Individuals filing online should specify that their applications are related to the damage caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed. Required documentation includes a Social Security number, a copy of the most recent federal income tax form or paycheck stubs, and documentation to support that you were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred.

Applicants must mail in or fax all required documentation within 21 days from the date of the DUA application. Documents can be mailed to 220 French Landing Nashville, TN 37243, or faxed to 615-532-3374.

Job seekers may visit local American Job Centers for access to job-search resources, job postings, and training programs, as well as assistance with exploring career options, resume and application preparation, career development, and more. Job seekers can also connect with potential employers.

The following counties are included in the disaster declaration: Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne.