[StBernard] Update From State Representative Nita Rusich Hutter

[Westley Annis]

Update From State Representative Nita Rusich Hutter

November 10 , 2005 


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Disaster Unemployment Assistance Filing Deadline Draws Near Department of
Labor accepting claims through Nov. 30

Time is running out for individuals who are eligible to apply for Disaster
Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The deadline to file is November 30, according to the Louisiana Department
of Labor.

Because of the widespread devastation to homes and businesses in the
southern parishes of Louisiana, individuals affected by both storms were
given additional time to file DUA claims and provide supporting
documentation.  Under normal circumstances, applications for disaster
unemployment benefits must be filed within 30 days of a disaster declaration
and supporting paperwork must be received no later than 21 days after the
application is filed.

DUA provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or
self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major
disaster declared by the President of the United States.  Before an
individual can be determined eligible for DUA, it must be established that
the individual is not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits
(under any state or federal law).

To receive DUA benefits, individuals must provide their social security
number, proof of wages, and proof of employment, including the name and
address of the last employer. Self-employed individuals must provide their
business and financial records, including federal income tax returns for the
most recent tax year.  Claims may be filed several ways: in person at any
LDOL One Stop or Job Center; online at www.LAWORKS.net; or by calling
1-800-430-8076 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Disaster Food Stamp Program Ends in November

The federal government has decided not to renew the DFSP beyond the Oct. 31
deadline. This means that November will be the last month for citizens from
the heavily impacted area to receive the emergency food stamps
automatically.
 
The Office of Family Support, Department of Social Services will work
closely with those citizens who are still in need, and assist them in
transitioning to the regular food stamp program. The outreach to them is
multi-faceted and includes sending each household a letter with food stamp
program information. For their convenience, citizens may also download
applications from our website at www.dss.state.la.us. We will also be
granting several waivers for applicants that include:
           -  Households will be able to be separate households from the
families or individuals that they are currently residing with, regardless of
whether they purchase and prepare meals separately or together.
            - Work registration and E&T requirements will be waived for
mandatory work registrants for the months of November and December 2005.
           -  Households receiving the flyer will be able to submit an
application to a centralized location and receive a telephone interview
instead of the normally-       required face-to-face interview. For more
information, call the toll-free information line at (888) LAHELPU
(1-888-524-3578).