The storms of January not only brought flooding and landslides, they put people out of work. But people who normally would not be eligible for unemployment benefits, such as the self-employed, may get help through the state-managed, federally-funded Disaster Unemployment Assistance program.

If you were out of work because of the storms of Jan. 6 to 16, you may be eligible to receive unemployment compensation.

The benefits are administered by the Employment Security Department of Washington state through a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Disaster unemployment can extend for as long as 26 weeks from the day the disaster was declared.

Deadline to apply for assistance is Friday, March 6.

This program is available to people who live or work in declared disaster areas, and became unemployed as a direct result of a disaster, and are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

Persons interested in applying for this type of unemployment assistance can obtain an application by contacting the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Unit at (877) 416-7274. They can also e-mail to DUA@esd.wa.gov, or download the application packet online at www.esd.wa.gov/uibenefits/specialservices/disaster/natural-disaster.php.