Unemployed on Big Island May Qualify for Disaster Insurance

"The toll from the ongoing Kilauea eruption in Lower Puna continues to rise, with Hawaii County Civil Defense setting the latest tally of homes destroyed at 614.

The number has been rising as officials go through the process of confirming losses by matching real property tax records with aerial surveys. The county Department of Finance is projecting a $5 million shortfall in real property tax revenue as a result of the eruption, which began May 3.

On Friday, Gov. David Ige announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has given the state permission to offer disaster unemployment assistance for Hawaii County residents.

Those who may be eligible for DUA benefits are individuals who were living or working in the affected area at the time of the disaster and unemployed as a direct result of the disaster. Eligible individuals also must not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. The DUA benefits begin the week of May 6 and expire the week ending Nov. 10..."

Continue reading