WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today reminded those left jobless by Superstorm Sandy that they have until Monday, February 4th to register for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"These unemployment benefits are made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency specifically for those who lost their jobs because of the storm," said Menendez. "The eligibility criteria for these benefits are different from that of traditional unemployment benefits. That is why I urge anyone who is not working in the wake of the storm to register for disaster unemployment benefits."

"Sandy devastated communities and businesses across our state, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a crucial resource for New Jersey residents left jobless after the storm," said Senator Lautenberg, the author of the "Superstorm Sandy Unemployment Relief Act," which would extend disaster unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs due to Sandy. "Disaster unemployment assistance is different from traditional unemployment benefits, and anyone in New Jersey who has lost their job because of Sandy should apply before the February 4th deadline."

Registration closes Monday, Feb. 4. Workers can register for DUA by calling one of the following New Jersey Re-employment

Call Centers:

Union City: 201-601-4100

Freehold: 732-761-2020

Cumberland: 856-507-2340

Survivors can also register for DUA at njuifile.net.

Disaster unemployment claims filed after the registration deadline may be ineligible for payment.

DUA is available to those who are ineligible for state unemployment benefits, including the self-employed, farmers and farm workers. Workers may qualify for DUA because of the following reasons:

• They were injured in the disaster and are unable to work.

• Their workplace was damaged or destroyed.

• Transportation to work is not available.

• They could not get to their job because they must travel through an affected area.

• The disaster prevented them from beginning a new job.

• Their business suffered because most of its income was derived from an affected area.

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