Governor Andy Beshear announced on Friday that the state will accept applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from individuals who are out of work in the 15 counties affected by the severe storms on May 21-27.
President Joe Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration on July 23 after a request for disaster relief for individual assistance was filed by Gov. Beshear on June 14, 2024 for the 15 counties, including Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, Logan, Muhlenberg, Todd and Trigg.
According to Gov. Beshear, individuals — including unemployed and self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted as a direct result of the severe storms on May 21-27 — are eligible to apply for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the Kentucky Office fo Unemployment Insurance.
To qualify for benefits, claimants in eligible counties must prove their job or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the disaster and that they are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance. Farmers and other self-employed individuals may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
To receive the assistance, individuals must submit documents like recent tax forms, stubs, a bill showing their address at the time of the disaster, and a photo ID within 21 days of filing the Disaster Unemployment Assistance application.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for weeks of unemployment beginning May 26, 2024, until Jan. 25, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
To file a claim affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-875-0442 by October 9, 2024. The Disaster Unemployment Assistance is funded by FEMA and does not charge employers.
On Memorial Day, Gov. Beshear visited the hardest-hit areas in Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties to assess storm damage and speak with local officials and affected families.
