Tornado spurs disaster unemployment assistance for Hardin County

June 2– The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development announced Wednesday that Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for workers in Hardin County as a direct result of the April 27 tornado and straight-line winds.

This brings the total to 22 counties that have been approved for individual assistance.

Individuals who are not covered for regular unemployment benefits may qualify for disaster unemployment benefits.

This includes self-employed workers and others not covered by the state unemployment insurance program whose source of income has been interrupted by the disaster damage.

If possible, applicants should have access to their 2010 income tax return, Social Security number, and any papers with wage and employment information prior to the disaster.

To avoid delays, if your unemployment claim is a direct result of the disaster, do not file your claim by Internet.

Instead, call 866-331-1271, ext. 7599, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

The deadline to file is June 30.

Weekly Disaster Unemployment Assurance benefit amounts are determined in the same way as regular unemployment benefits.

Benefits range from $112 to $275 per week and are payable up to 26 weeks.