DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 39-95
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	MARY ANN WYRSCH Unemployment Insurance Service
SUBJECT	:	Fifty Percent of the Average Weekly Benefit Amount (AWBA) Computation to be Utilized in Determining the Weekly Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Amount

1. Purpose. To transmit the subject AWBA computation for State Employment Security Agency (SESA) usage in computing a weekly DUA amount for all major disasters declared during the fourth quarter of FY 1995.

2. 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 after 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 workers 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 fourth quarter of FY 1995.

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. Fifty Percent AWBA For Major Disasters That Occur During the Quarter July 1 through September 30, 1995.