The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has announced an extension of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for eight counties affected by Tropical Storm Helene’s severe rainfall and flash flooding. This extension, sanctioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Federal Disaster Declaration FEMA DR-4832, applies to Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
The application deadline for individuals affected by the storm, which began on September 26, 2024, is now extended to January 7, 2025. The disaster period is scheduled from September 29, 2024, to April 5, 2025. Applications can be submitted starting December 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. CST.
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DUA is an unemployment benefit available to those who have exhausted all regular unemployment benefits or do not qualify for them. To be eligible, individuals must have been employed or self-employed in the affected areas, unable to continue work due to the disaster’s damage, and demonstrate that this work was their primary income source. The assistance also covers persons who cannot work due to a disaster-related injury or who became the primary household supporter due to a death caused by the storm.
Individuals can apply for DUA at Jobs4TN.gov or by calling 1-877-813-0950 on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Online applicants should indicate their disaster impact status. Required documentation must be submitted within 21 days of application submission, including a Social Security number, recent federal income tax forms or paycheck stubs, and proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster.
Documents can be mailed to 220 French Landing, Nashville TN 37243, or faxed to 615-253-7584. Additionally, job seekers can visit local American Job Centers for resources such as job postings, training programs, and career development assistance. They can also explore job opportunities on Jobs4TN.gov.
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East Tennessee Construction Report for December 2024
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has provided an update on construction projects in East Tennessee for the week of December 12-18, 2024. Motorists can expect various lane closures and traffic changes across multiple counties, including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, and others, due to ongoing roadworks and repairs. More detailed information on these projects and the latest road conditions can be accessed through TDOT’s [SmartWay website](https://smartway.tn.gov/), or you can follow [TDOT on Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/TN511) and [Knoxville traffic updates](https://www.twitter.com/knoxville511) for real-time updates.