Des Moines – Appanoose, Clarke, Monroe, and Ringgold counties have been added to the previous 63 counties eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) announced Iowa Workforce Development. The total number is 67 counties in which those unemployed due to the disaster may apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

“As Governor, I am committed to returning life to normal for the thousands of Iowans still feeling the effects of this year’s natural disasters, and this program will help us do just that,” said Governor Culver. “By expanding this program to more counties, thousands of Iowans will have access to benefits that will help return their lives to normal.”

DUA provides benefits related to the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding which began on May 28, 2008 and continued forward across the state. “If you live or work in any of these counties and have lost your job due to the recent bad weather, you should apply for these federal benefits,” said Elisabeth Buck, Director, Iowa Workforce Development.

Claims need to be filed by September 8, 2008 for these additional counties, according to Buck. The benefits cover self-employed workers not usually entitled to unemployment insurance, including Iowa farmers. People applying for DUA need to provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and their most recent income tax form, at the time they file their claim. Any Iowa Workforce Development Center can accept DUA claims or individuals can file on the Workforce website at “file an unemployment claim”.