Disaster benefit minimums after May 11, 1995

U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
Washington, D.C. 20210

Classification: UI
Correspondence symbol: TEUMI
Issue date: May 30, 1995
Rescissions: None
Expiration date: May 30, 1996
Directive: UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 22-95, Change 1
To: ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
From: MARY ANN WYRSCH, Director, Unemployment Insurance Service
Subject: Fifty Percent of the Average Weekly Benefit Amount (AWBA) Computation to be Utilized in Determining the Weekly Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Amount

Purpose. To transmit the subject AWBA computation for State Employment Security Agency (SESA) usage in computing a weekly DUA amount for all major disasters declared on and after May 11, 1995.

AWBA Utilization. Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 22-95 transmitted the AWBA computation to be utilized in computing a weekly DUA amount under the provisions of 20 CFR 625.6(a) for individuals who become unemployed due to a major disaster during the third quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 1995. This AWBA must be utilized for all major disasters declared before May 11, 1995.

On May 11, 1995, the Department published an interim final rule in the Federal Register (60 FR 25560), which amended Section 625.6 effective for all major disasters declared on and after that date. Among the changes, the amendments provide that the minimum weekly DUA amount will be 50 percent of the AWBA paid in the State for regular compensation, unless workers are customarily or routinely employed less than full-time prior to their unemployment due to the disaster. The attached listing sets forth the 50 percent of AWBA computation applicable for major disasters declared on and after May 11, 1995, and during the remainder of the third quarter of FY 1995.

Action Required. SESA Administrators are requested to provide this information to appropriate staff and insure that the correct AWBA is utilized in determining the weekly DUA amount.

Inquiries. Inquiries should be directed to the appropriate Regional Office.

Attachment. Fifty Percent AWBA For Major Disasters That Occur During the Quarter April 1 through June 30, 1995 Declared On or After May 11, 1995.

Attachment: Fifty percent AWBA for disasters declared on or after May 11, 1995

Official ETA attachment PDF

Based on AWBA for total unemployment, January 1 through December 31, 1994.

¹ 50 percent AWBA is not applicable for Guam (see 20 CFR 625.6(c)).

Data supplied by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Unemployment Insurance Service, May 4, 1995.