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News Release

For Immediate Release:
June 16, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Filing period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
to close June 26 for Perry County

LITTLE ROCK – Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims must be filed by June 26, 2008, for individuals affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between March 18, 2008, and April 28, 2008, in Perry County.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared 50 counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Perry County was the last county to be declared a federal disaster area authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in Perry County because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
at the following DWS offices:

Perry County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
  Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974
  Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894
  Hot Springs Local Office, 2254 Albert Pike, Suite A (501) 525-3450
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims may be filed at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. The filing periods for the remaining 49 counties have expired. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster areas, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become head of the household because the head of the household has died as a result of the disaster. This benefit may also be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Filing period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to close
June 20 and 26 for 12 counties authorized for benefits

LITTLE ROCK – Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims must be filed by June 20, 2008, for individuals affected by the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred between May 2, 2008, and May 12, 2008, in Benton, Cleburne, Conway, Crittenden, Grant, Lonoke, Mississippi, Pulaski, Saline and Van Buren counties. Individuals residing in Arkansas and Phillips counties have until June 26, 2008, to file their Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush declared Arkansas, Benton, Cleburne, Conway, Crittenden, Grant, Lonoke, Mississippi, Phillips, Pulaski, Saline and Van Buren counties as federal disaster areas authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 12 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1758-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending May 10, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending November 22, 2008.

Filing period from May 22, 2008, through June 20, 2008:

Benton County Rogers Local Office, 1626 S. Eighth St. (479) 636-4755
Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (501) 268-8601
Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Crittenden County West Memphis Local Office, 202 Shoppingway, Suite A (870) 400-2269
Grant County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 531-1920
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Mississippi County Blytheville Local Office, 111 E. Ash St. (870) 762-2035
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St. (501) 682-8030
  Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974
Van Buren County Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894

Filing period from May 28, 2008, through June 26, 2008:

Arkansas County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Phillips County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims can be filed at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster areas, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become head of the household because the head of the household has died as a result of the disaster. This benefit may also be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Arkansas, Phillips counties added to list authorized for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas and Phillips counties on May 23, 2008, were added to the list of Arkansas counties authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that began on May 2, 2008.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Benton, Cleburne, Conway, Crittenden, Grant, Lonoke, Mississippi, Pulaski, Saline and Van Buren counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 12 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1758-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending May 10, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending November 22, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed at the following DWS offices:

Filing period from May 28, 2008, through June 26, 2008:

Arkansas County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Phillips County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415

Filing period from May 22, 2008, through June 20, 2008:

Benton County Rogers Local Office, 1626 S. Eighth St. (479) 636-4755
Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (501) 268-8601
Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Crittenden County West Memphis Local Office, 202 Shoppingway, Suite A (870) 400-2269
Grant County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 531-1920
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Mississippi County Blytheville Local Office, 111 E. Ash St. (870) 762-2035
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St. (501) 682-8030
  Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974
Van Buren County Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims for the additional two counties must be filed between May 28, 2008, and June 26, 2008, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Claims for the 10 counties announced May 21, 2008, must be filed by June 20, 2008. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment because the head of the household died as a result of the disaster. This benefit also may be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work. 

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Perry County added to list authorized for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance

LITTLE ROCK – Perry County on May 23, 2008, was added to the list of Arkansas counties authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between March 18, 2008, and April 28, 2008.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Arkansas, Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Cross, Desha, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Logan, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Newton, Phillips, Poinsett, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, Washington, White, Woodruff and Yell counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 50 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed at the following DWS offices:

Filing period from May 28, 2008, through June 26, 2008:

Perry County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
  Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974
  Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894
  Hot Springs Local Office, 2254 Albert Pike, Suite A (501) 525-3450

Filing period from May 6, 2008, through June 4, 2008:

Arkansas County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Desha County Monticello Local Office, 477 S. Main St. (870) 367-2476
Hempstead County Hope Local Office, 700 S. Elm St. (870) 777-3421
Poinsett County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Van Buren County Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894

Filing period from April 25, 2008, through May 27, 2008:

Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Crawford County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Jefferson County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Lee County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
Miller County Texarkana Local Office, 1702 Hampton Road (870) 216-4011
Phillips County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
St. Francis County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Searcy County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Sebastian County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
White County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Yell County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims for the additional county must be filed between May 28, 2008, and June 26, 2008, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Claims for the five counties announced May 5, 2008, must be filed by June 4, 2008, and claims filed for the 11 counties announced April 24, 2008, must be filed by May 27, 2008. The deadlines for the remaining 33 counties have expired. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment because the head of the household died as a result of the disaster. This benefit also may be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 23, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Filing period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to close June 4 for five counties authorized for benefits

LITTLE ROCK – Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims must be filed by June 4, 2008, for individuals affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between March 18, 2008, and April 28, 2008, in Arkansas, Desha, Hempstead, Poinsett and Van Buren counties.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Arkansas, Desha, Hempstead, Poinsett and Van Buren counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these five counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
at the following DWS offices:

Arkansas County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Desha County Monticello Local Office, 477 S. Main St. (870) 367-2476
Hempstead County Hope Local Office, 700 S. Elm St. (870) 777-3421
Poinsett County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Van Buren County Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office of their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster areas, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become head of the household because the head of the household has died as a result of the disaster. This benefit may also be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 21, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for
individuals affected by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK – Individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that began in 10 Arkansas counties May 2, 2008, may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), according to Artee Williams, the director of the Department of Workforce Services.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush declared Benton, Cleburne, Conway, Crittenden, Grant, Lonoke, Mississippi, Pulaski, Saline and Van Buren counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 10 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1758-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending May 10, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending November 22, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed at the following DWS offices:

Benton County Rogers Local Office, 1626 S. Eighth St. (479) 636-4755
Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (501) 268-8601
Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Crittenden County West Memphis Local Office, 202 Shoppingway, Suite A (870) 400-2269
Grant County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 531-1920
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Mississippi County Blytheville Local Office, 111 E. Ash St. (870) 762-2035
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St. (501) 682-8030
  Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974
Van Buren County Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims must be filed between May 22, 2008, and June 20, 2008, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment because the head of the household died as a result of the disaster. This benefit also may be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 14, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Filing period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to close May 22 and 27 for 16 counties authorized for benefits

LITTLE ROCK – Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims must be filed by May 22, 2008, for individuals affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between March 18, 2008, and April 28, 2008, in Conway, Garland, Hot Spring, Newton and Washington counties. Individuals in Cleburne, Crawford, Jefferson, Lee, Miller, Phillips, St. Francis, Searcy, Sebastian, White and Yell counties have until May 27, 2008, to file their DUA claims.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Garland, Hot Spring, Jefferson, Lee, Miller, Newton, Phillips, St. Francis, Searcy, Sebastian, Washington, White and Yell counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 16 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following DWS offices:

Filing period from April 23, 2008, through May 22 2008:

Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Garland County Hot Springs Local Office, 2254 Albert Pike, Suite A (501) 525-3450
Hot Spring County Malvern Local Office, 1735 E. Sullenberger St. (501) 332-5461
Newton County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Washington County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. 6th St. (479) 521-5730

Filing period from April 25, 2008, through May 27, 2008:

Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Crawford County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Jefferson County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Lee County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
Miller County Texarkana Local Office, 1702 Hampton Road (870) 216-4011
Phillips County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
St. Francis County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Searcy County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Sebastian County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
White County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Yell County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster areas, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become head of the household because the head of the household has died as a result of the disaster. This benefit may also be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Five additional counties authorized for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas, Desha, Hempstead, Poinsett and Van Buren counties on May 1, 2008, were added to the list of Arkansas counties authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between March 18, 2008, and April 28, 2008.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Logan, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Newton, Phillips, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, Stone, Washington, White, Woodruff and Yell counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 49 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed at the following DWS offices:

Filing period from May 6, 2008, through June 4, 2008:

Arkansas County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Desha County Monticello Local Office, 477 S. Main St. (870) 367-2476
Hempstead County Hope Local Office, 700 S. Elm St. (870) 777-3421
Poinsett County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Van Buren County Conway Local Office, 1500 N. Museum Road #111 (501) 730-9894

Filing period from April 25, 2008, through May 27, 2008:

Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Crawford County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Jefferson County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Lee County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
Miller County Texarkana Local Office, 1702 Hampton Road (870) 216-4011
Phillips County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
St. Francis County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Searcy County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Sebastian County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
White County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Yell County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784

Filing period from April 23, 2008, through May 22, 2008:

Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Garland County Hot Springs Local Office, 2254 Albert Pike, Suite A (501) 525-3450
Hot Spring County Malvern Local Office, 1735 E. Sullenberger St. (501) 332-5461
Newton County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Washington County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. 6th St. (479) 521-5730

Filing period from April 16, 2008, through May 15, 2008:

Boone County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Carroll County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Clay County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Craighead County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Cross County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Franklin County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Fulton County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Greene County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Izard County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St.
Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza
(501) 682-8030
(501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974

Filing period from April 11, 2008, through May 12, 2008:

Monroe County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Pope County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Prairie County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Scott County Mena Local Office, Northside Shopping Center,
601 C Highway 71 N
(479) 394-3060
Sharp County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims for the additional five counties must be filed between May 6, 2008, and June 4, 2008, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Claims filed for the 11 counties announced April 24, 2008, must be filed by May 27, 2008; claims filed for the five counties announced April 22, 2008, must be filed by May 22, 2008; claims filed for the 12 counties announced April 15, 2008, must be filed by May 15, 2008; and claims for the five counties announced April 10, 2008, must be filed by May 12, 2008. Claims for the 11 counties announced March 31, 2008, must have been filed by April 30, 2008. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment because the head of the household died as a result of the disaster. This benefit also may be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
May 2, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Filing period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to close May 12 and 15 for 17 counties authorized for benefits

LITTLE ROCK – Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims must be filed by May 12, 2008, for individuals affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on March 18, 2008, in Monroe, Pope, Prairie, Scott, and Sharp counties. Individuals in Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Green, Izard, Lonoke, Pulaski and Saline counties have until May 15, 2008, to file their DUA claims.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Green, Izard, Lonoke, Monroe, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, Scott and Sharp counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 17 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following DWS offices:

Filing period from April 11, 2008, through May 12, 2008:

Monroe County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Pope County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Prairie County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Scott County Mena Local Office, Northside Shopping Center,
601 C Highway 71 N
(479) 394-3060
Sharp County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156

Filing period from April 16, 2008, through May 15, 2008:

Boone County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Carroll County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Clay County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Craighead County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Cross County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Franklin County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Fulton County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Greene County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Izard County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St.
Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza
(501) 682-8030
(501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster areas, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become head of the household because the head of the household has died as a result of the disaster. This benefit may also be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
April 24, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Eleven additional counties authorized for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance

LITTLE ROCK – Cleburne, Crawford, Jefferson, Lee, Miller, Phillips, St. Francis, Searcy, Sebastian, White and Yell counties on April 23, 2008, were added to the list of Arkansas counties authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on March 18, 2008.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Conway, Craighead, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Logan, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Newton, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Sharp, Stone, Washington and Woodruff counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 44 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed at the following DWS offices:

Filing period from April 25, 2008, through May 27, 2008:

Cleburne County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Crawford County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Jefferson County Pine Bluff Local Office, 1001 S. Tennessee St. (870) 534-1920
Lee County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
Miller County Texarkana Local Office, 1702 Hampton Road (870) 216-4011
Phillips County Helena Local Office, 301 Rightor St. (870) 338-7415
St. Francis County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Searcy County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Sebastian County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
White County Searcy Local Office, 501 W. Arch Ave. (870) 268-8601
Yell County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784

Filing period from April 23, 2008, through May 22, 2008:

Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Garland County Hot Springs Local Office, 2254 Albert Pike, Suite A (501) 525-3450
Hot Spring County Malvern Local Office, 1735 E. Sullenberger St. (501) 332-5461
Newton County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Washington County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. 6th St. (479) 521-5730

Filing period from April 16, 2008, through May 15, 2008:

Boone County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Carroll County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Clay County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Craighead County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Cross County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Franklin County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Fulton County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Greene County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Izard County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St.
Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza
(501) 682-8030
(501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974

Filing period from April 11, 2008, through May 12, 2008:

Monroe County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Pope County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Prairie County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Scott County Mena Local Office, Northside Shopping Center,
601 C Highway 71 N
(479) 394-3060
Sharp County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156

Filing period from April 1, 2008, through April 30, 2008:

Baxter County Mountain Home Local Office, 1058 Highland Circle #20 (870) 425-2386
Benton County Rogers Local Office, 1626 S. Eighth St. (479) 636-4755
Independence County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Jackson County Newport Local Office, 401 Walnut St. (870) 523-3641
Lawrence County Walnut Ridge Local Office, 116 W. Elm St. (870) 886-3556
Logan County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Madison County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. Sixth St. (479) 521-5730
Marion County Mountain Home Local Office, 1058 Highland Circle #20 (870) 425-2386
Randolph County Walnut Ridge Local Office, 116 W. Elm St. (870) 886-3556
Stone County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Woodruff County Newport Local Office, 401 Walnut St. (870) 523-3641
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims for the additional 11 counties must be filed between April 25, 2008, and May 27, 2008, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Claims filed for the five counties announced April 22, 2008, must be filed by May 22, 2008, claims filed for the 12 counties announced April 15, 2008, must be filed by May 15, 2008, claims for the five counties announced April 10, 2008, must be filed by May 12, 2008, and claims for the 11 counties announced March 31, 2008, must be filed by April 30, 2008. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment because the head of the household died as a result of the disaster. This benefit also may be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Five additional counties authorized for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance

LITTLE ROCK – Conway, Garland, Hot Spring, Newton and Washington counties on April 21, 2008, were added to the list of Arkansas counties authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on March 18, 2008.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Logan, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Sharp, Stone and Woodruff counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 33 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed at the following DWS offices:

Filing Period from April 23, 2008, through May 22, 2008:

Conway County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Garland County Hot Springs Local Office, 2254 Albert Pike, Suite A (501) 525-3450
Hot Spring County Malvern Local Office, 1735 E. Sullenberger St. (501) 332-5461
Newton County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Washington County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. 6th St. (479) 521-5730

Filing period from April 16, 2008, through May 15, 2008:

Boone County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Carroll County Harrison Local Office, 818 N. Hwy 62-65 (870) 741-8236
Clay County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Craighead County Jonesboro Local Office, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. (870) 935-5594
Cross County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Franklin County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Fulton County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Greene County Paragould Local Office, 400 E. Kingshighway (870) 236-8512
Izard County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Lonoke County Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza (501) 982-3835
Pulaski County Little Rock Local Office, 1501 Main St.
Jacksonville Local Office, #2 Crestview Plaza
(501) 682-8030
(501) 982-3835
Saline County Benton Local Office, 309 S. East St. (501) 776-2974

Filing period from April 11, 2008, through May 12, 2008:

Monroe County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Pope County Russellville Local Office, 104 S. Rochester Ave. (479) 968-2784
Prairie County Forrest City Local Office, 2615 S. Washington St. (870) 633-2900
Scott County Mena Local Office, Northside Shopping Center,
601 C Highway 71 N
(479) 394-3060
Sharp County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156

Filing period from April 1, 2008, through April 30, 2008:

Baxter County Mountain Home Local Office, 1058 Highland Circle #20 (870) 425-2386
Benton County Rogers Local Office, 1626 S. Eighth St. (479) 636-4755
Independence County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Jackson County Newport Local Office, 401 Walnut St. (870) 523-3641
Lawrence County Walnut Ridge Local Office, 116 W. Elm St. (870) 886-3556
Logan County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Madison County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. Sixth St. (479) 521-5730
Marion County Mountain Home Local Office, 1058 Highland Circle #20 (870) 425-2386
Randolph County Walnut Ridge Local Office, 116 W. Elm St. (870) 886-3556
Stone County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Woodruff County Newport Local Office, 401 Walnut St. (870) 523-3641
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

Claims for the additional five counties must be filed between April 23, 2008, and May 22, 2008, at DWS offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Claims filed for the 12 counties announced April 15, 2008, must be filed by May 15, 2008, claims for the five counties announced April 10, 2008, must be filed by May 12, 2008, and claims for the 11 counties announced March 31, 2008, must be filed by April 30, 2008. DWS offices will also provide re-employment assistance where appropriate, and office hours will be extended as needed. Claims filed after each respective deadline will be considered untimely and benefits denied, unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become the head of household and need employment because the head of the household died as a result of the disaster. This benefit also may be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
April 18, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

Filing period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to close April 30 for first 11 counties authorized for benefits

LITTLE ROCK – Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims must be filed by April 30, 2008, for individuals affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on March 18, 2008, in Baxter, Benton, Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Logan, Madison, Marion, Randolph, Stone and Woodruff counties.

At the request of Gov. Mike Beebe, President George Bush previously declared these counties as federal disaster areas authorized for DUA. Individuals who have temporarily lost jobs in these 11 counties because of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (such as self-employed individuals) may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which provides unemployment benefits under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA 1751-DR. The first possible week of compensation for DUA purposes was the week ending March 29, 2008, and the last possible week of compensation is the week ending September 27, 2008.

DUA claims may be filed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
at the following DWS offices:

Baxter County Mountain Home Local Office, 1058 Highland Circle #20 (870) 425-2386
Benton County Rogers Local Office, 1626 S. Eighth St. (479) 636-4755
Independence County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Jackson County Newport Local Office, 401 Walnut St. (870) 523-3641
Lawrence County Walnut Ridge Local Office, 116 W. Elm St. (870) 886-3556
Logan County Fort Smith Local Office, 616 Garrison Ave., Room 101 (479) 783-0231
Madison County Fayetteville Local Office, 2143 W. Sixth St. (479) 521-5730
Marion County Mountain Home Local Office, 1058 Highland Circle #20 (870) 425-2386
Randolph County Walnut Ridge Local Office, 116 W. Elm St. (870) 886-3556
Stone County Batesville Local Office, 396 Barnett Drive (870) 793-4156
Woodruff County Newport Local Office, 401 Walnut St. (870) 523-3641
Temporary DUA claims-taking sites may be available in other towns and cities. Individuals should contact the DWS office in their county to see if there is a temporary site that may be more convenient.

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must have worked or have been scheduled to work in the disaster areas, but because of the disaster, they no longer have a job, a place to work in the area or could not get to their place of work because of disaster damage. They also may qualify if they have been prevented from working because of an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or if they have become head of the household because the head of the household has died as a result of the disaster. This benefit may also be available to self-employed individuals who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of the disaster.

Each claim is considered individually; therefore, individuals who believe they may be eligible should bring their Social Security card, the name and address of their last place of employment and documents verifying income such as income tax statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms or 2007 federal income tax forms (Schedule SE and Schedule C or Schedule F) for self-employed individuals. All DUA applicants must provide documentation within 21 days from the day the claim is filed indicating an employment record at the time of the disaster or verification of the weeks the applicant was scheduled to work.

DWS officials understand that because of property losses some claimants may not have the necessary 2007 income information. Although some delays may result without this information, DWS staff will make every effort to work with DUA claimants to confirm their income information and expedite the claims-taking procedure.

News Release

For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2008
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Kimberly Friedman (501) 682-3125

12 additional counties authorized for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance

LITTLE ROCK - Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Izard, Lonoke, Pulaski, and Saline counties on April 14, 2008, were added to the list of Arkansas counties authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the severe storm