Mississippians and displaced evacuees temporarily residing there who have lost their jobs or earned income may be able to claim disaster unemployment benefits even if they are not normally eligible for state unemployment compensation. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) extends income compensation to victims who have lost earned income as a result of a presidentially declared disaster.

DUA claims can be filed with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (DES) by calling toll-free 888/844-3577 or visiting any open Workforce Investment Network (WIN) Job Center in the state. Job centers are listed in local telephone directories, or can be found on the state Web site (http://www.state.ms.us/index.jsp), and the DES Web site (http://mdes.ms.gov/wps/portal/#null). Click on the link "Find a WIN Job Center."

Applicants are required to initially provide their Social Security numbers and to follow up within 21 days of the claim with a copy of their 2004 income tax returns and other documentation showing earnings and employment before the disaster. Claims must be filed by Nov. 30, 2005. The DUA program is administered by the state through its Department of Employment Security. While most applicants will be residents of declared disaster counties, the benefit of up to $210 a week for as long as 26 weeks is available to residents of any county if they are out of work as a direct result of the disaster. Eligibility includes those who can’t reach their jobs because the disaster prevented their travel, or who were scheduled to start work, but could not because of the disaster.

Also eligible to apply are individuals who:

1. Became the major support for a household because of the disaster-related death of the head of the household;

2. Cannot work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster;

3. Could not work or lost work as a result of physical damage or destruction of a business; or

4. Are unable to work because the job site was closed by the federal government.

Mississippi's Project Recovery Available to all Affected by Hurricane Katrina
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is developing a special program to assist people in coping with the stress caused by Hurricane Katrina. Project Recovery, funded by a FEMA grant and facilitated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will provide crisis counseling services to anyone affected directly or indirectly by Hurricane Katrina.

Project Recovery will provide crisis counseling services to individuals and families in shelters statewide without any qualifying screening process, providing outreach services throughout the community, public education services and information and crisis counseling referral services. The program is expected to operate for a minimum of one year. The Project Recovery Helpline has been established and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 866/856-3227. For more information, visit www.dmh.state.ms.us.

New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Biloxi
Anyone who has suffered losses or damages as a result of Hurricane Katrina may go to any disaster recovery center to follow up on their registrations. Victims should first register by calling 800/621-FEMA (3362). Those who have questions may visit the center to meet with recovery specialists in person. The new disaster recovery center is located at the Biloxi Sports Stadium, 281 Lee St. The disaster recovery center opened earlier at the Snyder Recreation Center, 2520 Pass Rd., in Biloxi, continues to operate. (10/7)