Workers in 4 W.Va. counties eligible for storm aid - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Workers in 4 W.Va. counties eligible for storm aid

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -

West Virginia workers who lost jobs or paychecks as a result of a destructive summer windstorm could be eligible for federal benefits.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is urging residents of Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas or Raleigh counties to apply for the disaster unemployment assistance. Applicants should contact their local Workforce West Virginia One Stop office or apply online at www.workforcewv.org .

The filing deadline for new claims is Oct. 18. The assistance also covers the self-employed such as farmers who typically are not entitled to unemployment insurance.

A derecho lashed the state June 29, knocking out power to 680,000 utility customers. A derecho delivers hurricane-force winds.

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