Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Wednesday, June 6, 2001 Governor Scott McCallum Secretary Jennifer Reinert

News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

MADISON – Gov. Scott McCallum announced today Washburn County has been added to the list of counties where workers whose jobs were directly impacted by spring flooding and storms may be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Gov. McCallum said that people in Washburn County may be eligible for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance if they, as a direct result of flooding and storms, lost work and wages, were unable to reach their place of employment or lost work because of an injury.

"Things are gradually returning to normal for Washburn County residents who had their lives seriously disrupted by storms and flooding," Gov. McCallum said. "These unemployment benefits are another opportunity for people to get back on their feet."

Washburn County is the 12^th county declared eligible for the unemployment benefits as a result of flooding and storms that occurred in Wisconsin during April and May. Gov. McCallum announced last month that people in Buffalo, Burnett, Crawford, Douglas, Grant, La Crosse, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Trempealeau and Vernon counties also may be eligible.

At Gov. McCallum's request, federal officials declared the 11 counties as disaster areas in early May. Washburn County originally was not declared a disaster area but was added last week, making disaster unemployment assistance available to some residents in Washburn County.

Also eligible for benefits are individuals who became the major supporter of a household because the head of the household died as a result of the flooding or storms. Benefits are based on a person's earning for the most recent tax year. As a result, applicants will be asked to furnish earnings data from their 2000 federal tax return when filing a claim. The unemployment benefit can range from $117 to $313 per week.

Workers, including those who are self-employed on a farm or other business must apply for benefits by July 6, 2001. Applications can be filed by telephone by calling the Unemployment Insurance Division in Madison at (608) 232-0678, in Milwaukee at (414) 438-7700 and toll free at (800) 822-5246. A special (TTY) number for the hearing impaired is also available at (888) 393-8914.

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