TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Disaster unemployment assistance is now available to Hurricane Michael survivors in Big Bend counties.
Residents in the following counties who lost income as a result of the hurricane may receive disaster unemployment assistance: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington counties.
The assistance is to help workers whose primary incomes are lost or interrupted by a federally declared disaster.
It differs from regular state unemployment insurance because it provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, loggers, and employees who work on commission.
Individuals in the 12 counties listed above must first apply for regular unemployment insurance by visiting the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, or calling 800-385-3920 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will notify claimants if they are eligible to file for disaster unemployment assistance.
The deadline to apply in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington counties is Nov. 14. The deadline in Leon County is Nov. 16.
