HARRISBURG - The deadline nears for those affected by last month's storms to file for disaster unemployment assistance.
And, state and federal emergency management officials stress, senior citizens who receive disaster assistance won't lose their Social Security benefits nor have their benefits cut.
"A (Federal Emergency Management Agency) grant does not add to a senior's taxable income, as long as the grant is given as assistance to recover from a disaster," said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. "Seniors will not have to sacrifice any part of their Social Security benefits."
Disaster grants will not affect income levels, causing a senior citizen to become ineligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Seniors should also know that state/federal grants do not have to be repaid.
Seniors can visit a disaster recovery center for face-to-face help from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets, Shamokin.
Unemployment assistance
Oct. 14 is the deadline to file for disaster unemployment assistance for residents of Northumberland, Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Schuylkill counties.
To be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance, applicants must:
· Not be eligible for regular unemployment insurance;
· Be unemployed as a direct result of the disaster;
· Be able and available for work, unless injured as a direct result of the disaster;
· Have not refused an offer of employment in a suitable position.
Apply by calling 1-877-345-3382 (TTY: 888-334-4046) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Social Security number, earnings from the most recent tax year and employment history are needed to register.
Benefits are administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry through a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Disaster unemployment can extend for up to 26 weeks from the day the disaster is declared.