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Information for Evacuees of Hurricane Katrina Residing in New York

FILING CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI)
AND
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA)

Please note this information is provided and adapted for residents of New York only

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

 Before filing a claim for unemployment insurance,  you should have the following information:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your current mailing address (where you will receive your checks)

You should also have:

  • The names and addresses of all your employers since January, 2004.
  • Proof of your authorization to work in the US if you are not a US citizen

However, do not delay filing if you do not have all your employer information or your work authorization documents.

If you worked in Louisiana:

  • How to file your claim:  Call toll-free to 1-800-818 7811 between 3:00PM and 7:00PM Central Time OR file on the internet at www.laworks.net.

    NOTE: If you became unemployed as a result of Hurricane Rita, please advise the claims taker of this when you call to file your claim.

  • Qualifying for benefits:  Your claim is based on your work in the base period April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2005.  You must have earned at least $1200 during this base period, and your total base period earnings must be at least 1 and ½ times your high quarter earnings. 
  • Weekly benefit rate:  Your weekly benefit rate is based on the average of all your wages in the four quarters in the base period.  Weekly benefit rates range from $10 to $258.

If you worked in Mississippi

  • How to file your claim:  Call the Mississippi Department of Employment Security toll free at 1-888-844-3577 between 7:00AM and 6:30PM, seven days a week.
  • Qualifying for benefits:  Your claim is based on your work in the base period April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2005.  You must have earnings in at least 2 quarters in the base period, earnings of at least $780 in one quarter and total base period earnings must be 40 times your weekly benefit amount.
  • Weekly benefit rate:  Your weekly benefit rate is 1/26 of your high quarter wages.  Weekly benefit rates range from $30 to $210.

If you worked in Alabama

  • How to file your claim:  Call the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations toll free at 1-866-234-5382 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM Central Time.
  • Qualifying for benefits:  Your claim is based on your work in the base period April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2005.  You must have total base period earnings of at least 1 ½ times your high quarter earnings, and your two highest quarters must average at least $1068.01. 
  • Weekly benefit rate:  Your weekly benefit rate is based on the average wages paid to you in the two highest quarters. Weekly benefit rates range from $45 to $220.

If you worked in 2 or more states between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005, call the New York State Department of Labor Telephone Claims Center between 8:00AM and 4:30PM at 888-209-8124.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

If you  are unemployed because of the results of Hurricane Katrina but are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).    Follow the instructions above for filing a new claim against the State you worked in prior to Katrina.  If you are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits, you will be provided a DUA application by that State.

DUA provides a temporary benefit to individuals – including self-employed individuals – who become unemployed as a direct result of the disaster and are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits. Examples of reasons for unemployment that could be a direct result of a disaster include:

  • Individuals injured and unable to work.
  • Individuals whose workplace was damaged or unreachable.
  • Individuals who lost their means of transportation.
  • Individuals who were unable to get to their job because they must travel through the disaster area.
  • Individuals who were about to commence employment but could not because of the disaster.
  • Individuals who became the breadwinner or major supporter for a household because of the death of the former head of household in the disaster.
  • Individuals who became unemployed because of a Federal takeover or closure of facilities where they worked.
  • Individuals who, prior to the disaster, derived a majority of their income from the affected areas and who worked for themselves or for an employer and had reduced business that can be attributed directly to the disaster.