PUBLIC NOTICE
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA) BENEFITS AVAILABLE

The State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) announced today that the major disaster declaration (FEMA-1814-DR) made by President George W. Bush on January 5, 2009 due to damages resulting from the severe storms and flooding during the period of December 10-16, 2008 includes the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program for the City and County of Honolulu. Individuals who were unemployed, including self-employed individuals, who were living or working in the affected area at the time of the major disaster, or who were unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance, may be eligible for DUA benefits.

In addition to individuals who lost their jobs directly due to the severe storms and flooding, others who may be eligible for DUA may also include: (1) individuals who are unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through an affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster; (2) individuals who were to commence employment or self-employment but were prevented by the disaster; (3) individuals who became the breadwinner or major support for a household because of the death of the head of household due to the disaster; or (4) individuals who cannot work or perform services in self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster. Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the individual’s unemployment resulted from: (1) the physical damage or destruction of the place of employment; (2) the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state, or local government in immediate response to the disaster; or (3) lack of work, or loss or revenues, if, prior to the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state, or local government.

The DLIR urges all individuals who believe they qualify for DUA to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for filing DUA is 30 days after the date of this announcement; therefore, DUA applications must be filed no later than 04/25/09. DUA benefits may not be payable on untimely claims filed after 09/24/09.

Individuals may apply by telephone by calling Hawaii Tele-Claim at 643-5555, or, visiting the nearest Unemployment Claims Office. Applicants should be prepared to provide copies of or bring the following to the Unemployment Claims Office: a picture ID and/or any document showing their social security number, and their federal income tax return for the calendar year 2007. If this document is not available, individuals should provide evidence of their calendar year 2007 income in the form of W2s, Form 1099s, pay stubs, and profit and loss statements.

For more detailed information regarding eligibility for DUA benefits, go to the DLIR website at http://hawaii.gov/labor/ui/worker-benefit-claims-information-test or contact the nearest Unemployment Claims Office:

Honolulu Claims Office, 830 Punchbowl St, Rm 110, Honolulu, HI 96813, Ph: 586-8970 or 586-8971.

Waipahu Claims Office, 94-275 Mokuola St, Rm 301, Waipahu, HI 96797, Ph: 675-0030.

Re-employment services may also be obtained at the nearest One-Stop Center:

Honolulu Office, 830 Punchbowl St, Rm 112, Honolulu, HI 96813, Ph: 586-8700.