Benefits Available for Those in 2 Mass. Counties Left Jobless by Irene

September 8, 2011

Residents of Berkshire and Franklin counties in Massachusetts who lost their jobs due to flooding or other damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene may be eligible for federal disaster unemployment assistance.

The state Office of Labor and Workforce Development says individuals have until Oct. 6 to apply for the benefits, which are available to workers who are self-employed or who are otherwise not eligible for state unemployment insurance coverage.

The benefit period began Aug. 28 – the day of the storm – and runs through March 3.

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Massachusetts. The declaration made federal funding immediately available to Berkshire and Franklin counties, and more areas around the state could be added following completion of damage assessment reports.

Topics Massachusetts

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