Normally, job seekers are required to produce documentation needed by employers to complete Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9. This requirement is being suspended by DHS for a 45 day period for those workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina. At the end of 45 days, DHS will review this policy and make further recommendations.

The US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has issued Training and Employment Notice No. 7-05, “Assisting Employers and Job Seekers with Employee Identification Needs,” to provide guidance regarding Form I-9 documentation requirements for hiring Hurricane Katrina victims. This guidance is available on-line at: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEN7-05.pdf

Local areas are required to document an individual’s right to work, and eligibility for WIA services. Individuals impacted by Hurricane Katrina seeking assistance through the one-stop system may lack the necessary documents as a result of being evacuated from their homes. In addition, as a result of the widespread damage and destruction to government facilities in the area affected by the hurricane, it can be expected that many individuals will be unable to apply and receive new documents that would allow for eligibility to be established.

Therefore, in keeping with federal guidance regarding DHS Form I-9, for a period of 45 days from the issuance of this technical advisory, local areas may allow for individuals to provide self-attestation with regard to identity and eligibility in applying for WIA services. At the end of 45 days, the Department will review this guidance and make further recommendations. The attached eligibility form should be used when determining eligibility for services.

Individuals who do not have a Social Security Card and do not know their social security number will be issued an alternate 9 digit identifier as detailed in the attached employment plan instructions. The alternate IDs begin with the number 8, as no valid social security number begins with 8. The alternate ID will be used to track services where a social security number would be used. Instructions for use of an alternate ID are provided in Section A, Customer Identification, of the Employment Plan Instructions.

TOLL FREE NUMBER TO REGISTER FOR SERIVCES

New York State has set up a toll free number 1-888-7-NYS-AID. Individuals will be able to register with the State to ensure that they receive available benefits and services through the county Departments of Social Services. This toll free number is available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Individuals may apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance; DUA provides a temporary benefit to individuals – including self-employed individuals – who become unemployed as a direct result of the disaster and are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits. Information regarding DUA and how to apply is available at: http://www.labor.state.ny.us/agencyinfo/Katrina_Assistance.shtm

JOB SEARCH AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Local areas should use the provided Eligibility Form in the event an individual must provide a self-attestation for eligibility. The Employment Plan is used to create an employment strategy and document services to individuals impacted by Hurricane Katrina. All services provided must be documented in OSOS or an area’s comparable data system. Individuals impacted by Katrina must be identified in the Programs and Public Assistance section under the Additional Info tab of OSOS.