Self-employed people living in five counties designated disaster areas by President Obama can apply for unemployment checks through the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. The program extends to tornado victims in St.Louis County as well as flood victims in Butler, Mississippi, and New Madrid counties in southeast Missouri, and those in Taney County in southwest Missouri.

State labor director Larry Rebman says it’s a short-term program that tops out at 26 weeks.

People who work for others can file unemployment claims through the regular process.

Rebman says the department works with federal and state emergency management agencies to determine when farmers and other self-employed people should be back at work. He says unemployed self-employed also have to file regular forms showing they’re not able to work and still have no income.

People eligible under the Disaster Unemployment Assistant prgoram have to apply by June 16th. If other counties are added to the disaster declaration, people in those areas can join the program.

Self-employed Missourians seeking help through the DUA can call 800-788-4022. Tornado and flood victims who are temporarily unemployed shoujld call 800-320-2519. The Labor Department’s webside is www.labor.mo.,gov. Rebman says visitros should check the showcase box that talks about the program. He says they also can click on “news and notices” to get information.

 Listen to Larry Rebman interview 6:44 mp3