By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Northern Marianas stands to receive disaster unemployment assistance in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, CNMI Department of Labor Secretary Leila Staffler told Variety on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, CNMI DOL was still awaiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s designation. Staffler said she will provide details once the CNMI receives the FEMA designation.
“Yes, there will be disaster unemployment. But I cannot tell you the details yet — we’re waiting for the FEMA designation. As soon as we get that, then I can respond,” she said in a WhatsApp interview.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits (42 U.S.C. §5177) may be made available pursuant to a presidential major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which authorizes the president to issue a major disaster declaration after state and local government resources have been overwhelmed by a natural catastrophe or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion in any part of the United States.
Major disaster declarations unlock federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local efforts by providing the resources needed to help survivors and communities rebuild and recover.
First created in 1970 through U.S. Public Law 91-606, the DUA program provides income support to individuals who become unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
