By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – State Industrial Relations Director Phyllis Kennedy says the benefits are available to people who work or live in the ten counties and became unemployed because of Katrina. The benefits are also available to self-employed people who could not pursue their customary work because of the hurricane. The program applies to Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Washington counties. The number to dial to file claims for state unemployment compensation is 866-234-5382.