Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Officials say Oklahomans in three counties whose jobs were affected when severe thunderstorms, flooding and tornadoes ripped through the state last month have until June 26 to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

According to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, a presidential disaster declaration for storms May 10-13 allowed workers in Craig, Latimer and Pittsburg counties to apply for help.

Workers in Ottawa County already were approved.

OESC officials say employees must have worked or been scheduled to work in the disaster area, but because of the disaster no longer have a job or place to work or because they couldn't get to the place of work because of damage.

Another requirement stipulates that the individual must have been prevented from working by an injury or illness resulting from the disaster or become head of a household because the person in that role died as a result of the storms.

To file claims, call (405) 525-1500, or 1-800-555-1554. You can also file a claim online at www.oesc.state.ok.us.