Disaster unemployment assistance extended for about 1,340 Virgin Islanders

President Donald Trump signed the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 into law on October 5, 2018, extending disaster unemployment assistance by 26 weeks for Virgin Islanders who lost jobs after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, according to Government House.

Government House said the extension was retroactive and made about $8 million in additional assistance available to approximately 1,340 Virgin Islanders.

The administration also said the law included amendments to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act affecting disaster recovery funding for the territory. According to Government House, the changes expanded the use of FEMA funds for building upgrades to modern codes and standards, broadened the types of resiliency projects eligible for funding, increased reimbursement rates for administrative costs tied to disaster recovery, and gave the territory the option to manage direct temporary housing and permanent housing construction assistance programs in future disasters.

Virgin Islands Labor Commissioner Designee Averil George said the Labor Department would notify the public when the extended unemployment program would begin and advised potentially eligible residents to contact the department for information.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/president-approves-extension-of-disaster-unemployment-assistance-1340-virgin-islanders-eligible-for-retroactive-benefits/