DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 18-96
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	MARY ANN WYRSCH Director Unemployment Insurance Service
SUBJECT	:	Minimum Weekly Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Benefit Amount: Apr. 1 - Jun. 30, 1996

1. Purpose. To transmit the subject computation for State Employment Security Agency (SESA) usage in computing minimum weekly DUA amounts for all major disasters declared during the third quarter of FY 1996.

2. Average Weekly Benefit Amount (AWBA) Utilization. On May 11, 1995, the Department published an interim final rule in the Federal Register (60 FR 25560), which amended Section 625.6 effective for all major disasters declared on and af- ter that date. Among the changes, the amendments provide that the minimum weekly DUA amount will be 50 percent of the AWBA paid in the State for regular compensation, unless wor- kers are customarily or routinely employed less than full- time prior to their unemployment due to the disaster. The attached listing sets forth the 50 percent of AWBA computation applicable for major disasters declared during the third quarter of FY 1996, from April 1 through June 30, 1996.

3. Action Required. SESA Administrators are requested to provide this information to appropriate staff and insure that the correct AWBA is utilized in determining the weekly DUA amount.

4. Inquiries. Inquiries should be directed to the appropriate Regional Office.

5. Attachment. Minimum Weekly Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Benefit Amount: Apr. 1 - Jun. 30, 1996.