Source: PRESS RELEASE, 9/30/11

U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) today applauded the U.S. Department of Labor's decision to extend the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in North Carolina counties seriously impacted by Hurricane Irene. Hagan had written a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis supporting the North Carolina Employment Security Commission’s request for the extension.

“While North Carolina is dedicated to a complete recovery from Hurricane Irene, many of our counties continue to face major infrastructure and communications obstacles,” Hagan said. “I thank Secretary Solis and the Department of Labor for their flexibility in recognizing the specific challenges that face our North Carolina communities. I will continue to coordinate with the White House, Governor Perdue, the federal Cabinet agencies, and our emergency managers to ensure all of our affected communities get back on their feet as soon as possible.”

The extension was granted for all 35 North Carolina counties included in the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Irene.   DUA is meant specifically for individuals whose jobs have been lost or interrupted directly because of a major natural disaster. The deadline to apply for DUA in the affected North Carolina counties is now November 1, 2011.

Individuals can apply for DUA benefits by e-mailing the NC Employment Security Commission at esc.dua@ncesc.gov or by calling 1-866-795-8877. For assistance from Senator Hagan's office, contact 1-877-852-9462.