Disaster unemployment help

About two weeks remain in an application period for disaster unemployment assistance for South Carolinians in nine counties, including Oconee and Pickens.  The help is offered through the system of unemployment insurance benefits.  Residents of Aiken, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Hampton, Marlboro, Oconee, Orangeburg, and Pickens are eligible due to “FEMA’s” decision to change the application to include individual assistance in those counties.  It’s for those who became unemployed as the direct result of the severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds experienced in the nine counties April 12 and 13.  If a person is deemed eligible, the assistance would cover a maximum of 26 weeks.