Department of Workforce Development

For Immediate Release - July 11, 1997
Contact: Kevin Keane (608) 266-8110

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES UNEMPLOYMENT AID
FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

MADISON - Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced that workers in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties who lost work or wages due to the flooding that occurred in June may apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Workers, including farm and other self-employed individuals, have until Aug. 11 to apply for the special unemployment assistance. Workers must have been unable to work during the week of June 22 due to the flooding to be eligible. "The flooding in the Milwaukee area created myriad hardships for those affected by it," Gov. Thompson said. "Assistance to repair the damage to homes and businesses isn't always enough to help families return their lives to normal. The unemployment assistance will help affected families get back on track." People eligible for DUA include those who:

• Were unable to reach their regular place of employment as a direct result of the flooding.
• Were to begin employment, but could not go to work as a direct result of the flooding.
• Lost work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the flooding.
• Became the major support for household because the head of the household died as a direct result of the flooding.

DUA benefits are based on a person's earnings during the most recent tax year. Those seeking DUA benefits will be asked to furnish earnings data from their federal tax return when filing their claim. The maximum weekly benefit rate is $282; the minimum rate is $100. Applications can be filed from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling the state Unemployment Insurance Division. Call 438-7700 in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. Call (800) 822-5246 from outside the Milwaukee local calling area.