Residents of Kentucky affected by the severe storms in April have received an additional 30-day extension to register for assistance. This decision, announced by Governor Andy Beshear, aims to support individuals and families recovering from the destructive weather events that swept through the state. The storms brought a series of calamities, including tornadoes, landslides, and flooding. As part of the federal disaster relief program DR-4864-KY, the new registration deadline has been extended until July 25. While public assistance requests are still under review, this measure ensures those impacted can secure necessary aid.

Governor Beshear's announcement comes after extensive damage caused by straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, and mudslides that began on April 2. These conditions severely disrupted life across several counties in Kentucky. To provide greater access to disaster relief, the registration period was expanded to accommodate more applicants. The extension applies specifically to residents within counties designated for individual assistance under DR-4864-KY, which initially included Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen, and Woodford counties.

In addition to expanding the registration timeline, amendments were made to include unemployment benefits eligibility for residents in other regions such as Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Daviess, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, LaRue, Lincoln, McLean, Meade, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Trimble, Warren, and Webster counties. This expansion aims to assist not only employed individuals but also self-employed workers who lost their livelihoods due to the storm’s impact.

Eligible individuals must meet specific criteria to qualify for disaster unemployment assistance (DUA). Those eligible include people who worked or intended to begin work but were unable to do so because of damage to their workplace or physical barriers preventing access. Furthermore, the DUA covers individuals whose primary income source was disrupted and who cannot claim regular unemployment insurance benefits. It also extends to those unable to work due to injuries sustained during the disaster or those who became the main financial supporters of their household following the death of its head.

Through these measures, Kentucky continues its efforts to rebuild communities affected by the April storms. By extending deadlines and broadening eligibility criteria, the state demonstrates its commitment to aiding all impacted citizens. Residents seeking further information about applying for disaster unemployment assistance may visit the official website or contact the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance at 502-564-2900.