Disaster Jobless Benefits Available

The Idaho Department of Labor has made available special disaster unemployment insurance benefits for workers off the job because of severe storms, flooding, mud or landslides.

Workers living in the 13 counties that have been declared disaster areas by the federal government are eligible.

Unemployed workers must first apply for regular unemployment benefits at their local Job Service office. Disaster unemployment is generally available to people who are not eligible for regular benefits, such as the self-employed.

Disaster benefits are payable starting Dec. 29, 1996, for up to 26 weeks. In North Idaho, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Latah and Shoshone counties have been designated disaster areas. , DataTimes