Title 20—Employees' Benefits--Volume 1
PART 625—DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
§ 625.1   Purpose; rules of construction.
(a) Purpose. Section 410 of “The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act” amended the program for the payment of unemployment assistance to unemployed individuals whose unemployment is caused by a major disaster, and to provide reemployment assistance services to those individuals. The unemployment assistance provided for in section 410 of the Act is hereinafter referred to as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, or DUA. The regulations in this part are issued to implement sections 410 and 423 of the Act.
(b) First rule of construction. Sections 410 and 423 of the Act and the implementing regulations in this part shall be construed liberally so as to carry out the purposes of the Act.
(c) Second rule of construction. Sections 410 and 423 of the Act and the implementing regulations in this part shall be construed so as to assure insofar as possible the uniform interpretation and application of the Act throughout the United States.
(d) Effectuating purpose and rules of construction. (1) In order to effectuate the provisions of this section, each State agency shall forward to the United States Department of Labor, on receipt of a request from the Department, a copy of any determination or redetermination ruling on an individual's entitlement to DUA.
(2) If the Department believes a determination or redetermination is inconsistent with the Secretary's interpretation of the Act, the Department may at any time notify the State agency of the department's view. Thereafter, the State agency shall appeal if possible, and shall not follow such determination or redetermination as a precedent; and in any subsequent proceedings which involve such determination or redetermination, or wherein such determination or redetermination is cited as precedent or otherwise relied upon, the State agency shall inform the hearing officer of the Department's view and shall make all reasonable efforts to obtain modification, limitation, or overruling of the determination or redetermination.
(3) A State agency may request reconsideration of a notice that a determination or redetermination is inconsistent with the Act, and shall be given an opportunity to present views and arguments if desired. If a determination or redetermination setting a precedent becomes final, which the Department believes to be inconsistent with the Act, the Secretary will decide whether the Agreement with the State shall be terminated.
(4) Concurrence of the Department in a determination or redetermination shall not be presumed from the absence of a notice issued pursuant to this paragraph.
§ 625.2   Definitions.
For the purposes of the Act and this part:
(a) Act means sections 410 and 423 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (formerly section 407 of the “Disaster Relief Act of 1974”, Pub. L. 93-288, 88 Stat. 143, 156, approved May 22, 1974), 42 U.S.C. 5177, 5189a, as amended by The Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988, Pub. L. 100-707, 102 Stat. 4689, 4704, 4705, approved November 23, 1988.
(b) Agreement means the Agreement entered into pursuant to the Act, between a State and the Secretary of Labor of the United States, under which the State agency of the State agrees to make payments of Disaster Unemployment Assistance in accordance with the Act and the regulations and procedures thereunder prescribed by the Secretary.
(c) Announcement date means the first day on which the State agency publicly announces the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance in the State, pursuant to § 625.17.
(d) Compensation means unemployment compensation as defined in section 85(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and shall include any assistance or allowance payable to an individual with respect to such individual's unemployment under any State law or Federal unemployment compensation law unless such governmental unemployment compensation program payments are not considered “compensation” by ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or specific provision of Federal and/or State law because such payments are based on employee contributions which are not deductible from Federal income tax liability until the total nondeductible contributions paid by the employee to such program has been paid or are not “compensation” as defined under paragraph (d)(5) of this section. Governmental unemployment compensation programs include (but are not limited to) programs established under: a State law approved by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code, chapter 85 of title 5 of the United States Code, the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq. ), any Federal supplementary compensation law, and trade readjustment allowances payable under chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq. ). “Compensation” also includes “regular compensation”, “additional compensation”, “extended compensation”, “Federal supplementary compensation”, and “disability payments” defined as follows:
(1) Regular compensation means compensation payable to an individual under any State law or the unemployment compensation plan of a political subdivision of a State and, when so payable, includes compensation payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85 (parts 609 and 614 of this chapter), but not including extended compensation or additional compensation.
(2) Additional compensation means compensation totally financed by a State and payable under a State law by reason of conditions of high unemployment or by reason of other special factors, and, when so payable, includes compensation payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85.
(3) Extended compensation means compensation payable to an individual for weeks of unemployment in an extended benefit period, under those provisions of a State law which satisfy the requirements of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (title II, Pub. L. 91-373; 84 Stat. 695, 708; part 615 of this chapter), as amended with respect to the payment of extended compensation, and, when so payable, includes additional compensation and compensation payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85.
(4) Federal supplementary compensation means supplemental compensation payable under a temporary Federal law after exhaustion of regular and extended compensation.
(5) Disability payments means cash disability payments made pursuant to a governmental program as a substitute for cash unemployment payments to an individual who is ineligible for such payments solely because of the disability, except for payments made under workmen's compensation acts for personal injuries or sickness.
(e) Date the major disaster began means the date a major disaster first occurred, as specified in the understanding between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Governor of the State in which the major disaster occurred.
(f) Disaster Assistance Period means the period beginning with the first week following the date the major disaster began, and ending with the 26th week subsequent to the date the major disaster was declared.
(g) Disaster Unemployment Assistance means the assistance payable to an individual eligible for the assistance under the Act and this part, and which is referred to as DUA.
(h) Federal Coordinating Officer means the official appointed pursuant to section 302 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to operate in the affected major disaster area.
(i) Governor means the chief executive of a State.
(j) Initial application means the first application for DUA filed by an individual, on the basis of which the individual's eligibility for DUA is determined.
(k) Major disaster means a major disaster as declared by the President pursuant to section 401 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
(l) Major disaster area means the area identified as eligible for Federal assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, pursuant to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster.
(m) Secretary means the Secretary of Labor of the United States.
(n) Self-employed individual means an individual whose primary reliance for income is on the performance of services in the individual's own business, or on the individual's own farm.
(o) Self-employment means services performed as a self-employed individual.
(p) State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(q) State agency means—
(1) In all States except the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the agency administering the State law; and
(2) In the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the agency designated in the Agreement entered into by the State.
(r)(1) State law means, with respect to—
(i) The States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, the unemployment compensation law of the State which has been approved under section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)); and
(ii) The Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Hawaii Employment Security Law.
(2) Applicable State law means, for an individual, the State law of the applicable State for an individual as provided in § 625.12.
(s) Unemployed worker means an individual who was employed in or was to commence employment in the major disaster area at the time the major disaster began, and whose principal source of income and livelihood is dependent upon the individual's employment for wages, and whose unemployment is caused by a major disaster as provided in § 625.5(a).
(t) Unemployed self-employed individual means an individual who was self-employed in or was to commence self-employment in the major disaster area at the time the major disaster began, and whose principal source of income and livelihood is dependent upon the individual's performance of service in self-employment, and whose unemployment is caused by a major disaster as provided in § 625.5(b).
(u) Wages means remuneration for services performed for another, and, with respect to a self-employed individual, net income from services performed in self-employment.
(v) Week means a week as defined in the applicable State law.
(w) Week of unemployment means—
(1) For an unemployed worker, any week during which the individual is totally, part-totally, or partially unemployed. A week of total unemployment is a week during which the individual performs no work and earns no wages, or has less than full-time work and earns wages not exceeding the minimum earnings allowance prescribed in the applicable State law. A week of part-total unemployment is a week of otherwise total unemployment during which the individual has odd jobs or subsidiary work and earns wages not exceeding the maximum earnings allowance prescribed in the applicable State law. A week of partial unemployment is a week during which the individual works less than regular, full-time hours for the individual's regular employer, as a direct result of the major disaster, and earns wages not exceeding the maximum earnings allowance prescribed by the applicable State law.
(2) For an unemployed self-employed individual, any week during which the individual is totally, part-totally, or partially unemployed. A week of total unemployment is a week during which the individual performs no services in self-employment or in an employer-employee relationship, or performs services less than full-time and earns wages not exceeding the minimum earnings allowance prescribed in the applicable State law. A week of part-total unemployment is a week of otherwise total unemployment during which the individual has odd jobs or subsidiary work and earns wages not exceeding the maximum earnings allowance prescribed in the applicable State law. A week of partial unemployment is a week during which the individual performs less than the customary full-time services in self-employment, as a direct result of the major disaster, and earns wages not exceeding the maximum earnings allowance prescribed by the applicable State law, or during which the only activities or services performed are for the sole purpose of enabling the individual to resume self-employment.
(3) If the week of unemployment for which an individual claims DUA is a week with respect to which the individual is reemployed in a suitable position or has commenced services in self-employment, that week shall be treated as a week of partial unemployment if the week qualifies as a week of partial unemployment as defined in this paragraph.
§ 625.3   Reemployment assistance.
(a) State assistance. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the applicable State shall provide, without reimbursement from any funds provided under the Act, reemployment assistance services under any other law administered by the State to individuals applying for DUA and all other individuals who are unemployed because of a major disaster. Such services shall include, but are not limited to, counseling, referrals to suitable work opportunities, and suitable training, to assist the individuals in obtaining reemployment in suitable positions as soon as possible.
(b) Federal assistance. In the case of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Department of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will determine what reemployment services are needed by DUA applicants, and if any available Federal programs of reemployment assistance services can be implemented in that jurisdiction.
§ 625.4   Eligibility requirements for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
An individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of DUA with respect to a week of unemployment, in accordance with the provisions of the Act and this part if:
(a) That week begins during a Disaster Assistance Period;
(b) The applicable State for the individual has entered into an Agreement which is in effect with respect to that week;
(c) The individual is an unemployed worker or an unemployed self-employed individual;
(d) The individual's unemployment with respect to that week is caused by a major disaster, as provided in § 625.5;
(e) The individual has filed a timely initial application for DUA and, as appropriate, a timely application for a payment of DUA with respect to that week;
(f) That week is a week of unemployment for the individual;
(g) The individual is able to work and available for work within the meaning of the applicable State law: Provided, That an individual shall be deemed to meet this requirement if any injury caused by the major disaster is the reason for inability to work or engage in self-employment; or, in the case of an unemployed self-employed individual, the individual performs service or activities which are solely for the purpose of enabling the individual to resume self-employment;
(h) The individual has not refused a bona fide offer of employment in a suitable position, or refused without good cause to resume or commence suitable self-employment, if the employment or self-employment could have been undertaken in that week or in any prior week in the Disaster Assistance Period; and
(i) The individual is not eligible for compensation (as defined in § 625.2(d)) or for waiting period credit for such week under any other Federal or State law, except that an individual determined ineligible because of the receipt of disqualifying income shall be considered eligible for such compensation or waiting period credit. An individual shall be considered ineligible for compensation or waiting period credit (and thus potentially eligible for DUA) if the individual is under a disqualification for a cause that occurred prior to the individual's unemployment due to the disaster, or for any other reason is ineligible for compensation or waiting period credit as a direct result of the major disaster.
§ 625.5   Unemployment caused by a major disaster.
(a) Unemployed worker. The unemployment of an unemployed worker is caused by a major disaster if—
(1) The individual has a “week of unemployment” as defined in § 625.2(w)(1) following the “date the major disaster began” as defined in § 625.2(e), and such unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster; or
(2) The individual is unable to reach the place of employment as a direct result of the major disaster; or
(3) The individual was to commence employment and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of the major disaster; or
(4) The individual has become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of the household has died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
(5) The individual cannot work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the major disaster.
(b) Unemployed self-employed individual. The unemployment of an unemployed self-employed individual is caused by a major disaster if—
(1) The individual has a “week of unemployment” as defined in § 625.2(w)(2) following the “date the major disaster began” as defined in § 625.2(e), and such unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster; or
(2) The individual is unable to reach the place where services as a self-employed individual are performed, as a direct result of the major disaster; or
(3) The individual was to commence regular services as a self-employed individual, but does not have a place or is unable to reach the place where the services as a self-employed individual were to be performed, as a direct result of the major disaster; or
(4) The individual cannot perform services as a self-employed individual because of an injury caused as a direct result of the major disaster.
(c) Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster. For the purposes of paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of this section, a worker's or self-employed individual's unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster where the unemployment is an immediate result of the major disaster itself, and not the result of a longer chain of events precipitated or exacerbated by the disaster. Such an individual's unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the unemployment resulted from:
(1) The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment;
(2) The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment in the major disaster area due to its closure by or at the request of the federal, state or local government, in immediate response to the disaster; or
(3) Lack of work, or loss of revenues, provided that, prior to the disaster, the employer, or the business in the case of a self-employed individual, received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major disaster area that was either damaged or destroyed in the disaster, or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster.
§ 625.6   Weekly amount; jurisdictions; reductions.
(a) In all States, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, the amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or unemployed self-employed individual for a week of total unemployment shall be the weekly amount of compensation the individual would have been paid as regular compensation, as computed under the provisions of the applicable State law for a week of total unemployment. In no event shall such amount be in excess of the maximum amount of regular compensation authorized under the applicable State law for that week.
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) or (b) of this section, in computing an individual's weekly amount of DUA, qualifying employment and wage requirements and benefit formula of the applicable State law shall be applied; and for purposes of this section, employment, wages, and self-employment which are not covered by the applicable State law shall be treated in the same manner and with the same effect as covered employment and wages, but shall not include employment or self-employment, or wages earned or paid for employment or self-employment, which is contrary to or prohibited by any Federal law, such as, but not limited to, section 3304(a)(14)(A) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(14)(A)).
(2) For purposes of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the base period to be utilized in computing the DUA weekly amount shall be the most recent tax year that has ended for the individual (whether an employee or self-employed) prior to the individual's unemployment that was a direct result of the major disaster. The self-employment income to be treated as wages for purposes of computing the weekly amount under this paragraph (a) shall be the net income reported on the tax return of the individual as income from all self-employment that was dependent upon the performance of services by the individual. If an individual has not filed a tax return for the most recent tax year that has ended at the time of such individual's initial application for DUA, such individual shall have a weekly amount determined in accordance with paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(3) As of the date of filing an initial application for DUA, family members over the age of majority, as defined under the statutes of the applicable State, who were customarily or routinely employed or self-employed as a family unit or in the same self-employment business prior to the individuals' unemployment that was a direct result of the major disaster, shall have the wages from such employment or net income from the self-employment allocated equally among such adult family members for purposes of computing a weekly amount under this paragraph (a), unless the documentation to substantiate employment or self-employment and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-employment submitted as required by paragraph (e) of this section supports a different allocation. Family members under the age of majority as of the date of filing an initial application for DUA shall have a weekly amount computed under this paragraph (a) based on the actual wages earned or paid for employment or self-employment rather than an equal allocation.
(b) If the weekly amount computed under paragraph (a) of this section is less than 50 percent of the average weekly payment of regular compensation in the State, as provided quarterly by the Department, or, if the individual has insufficient wages from employment or insufficient or no net income from self-employment (which includes individuals falling within paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(3) of § 625.5) in the applicable base period to compute a weekly amount under paragraph (a) of this section, the individual shall be determined entitled to a weekly amount equal to 50 percent of the average weekly payment of regular compensation in the State.
(1) If an individual was customarily or routinely employed or self-employed less than full-time prior to the individual's unemployment as a direct result of the major disaster, such individual's weekly amount under this paragraph (b)(1) shall be determined by calculating the percent of time the individual was employed or self-employed compared to the customary and usual hours per week that would constitute the average per week hours for year-round full-time employment or self-employment for the occupation, then applying the percentage to the determined 50 percent of the average weekly amount of regular compensation paid in the State. The State agency shall utilize information furnished by the applicant at the time of filing an initial application for DUA and any labor market or occupational information available within the State agency to determine the average per week hours for full-time employment or self-employment for the occupation. If the weekly amount computed for an individual under this paragraph (b)(1) is less than the weekly amount computed under paragraph (a) of this section for the individual, the individual shall be entitled to the higher weekly amount.
(2) The weekly amount so determined under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, if not an even dollar amount, shall be rounded in accordance with the applicable State law.
(c) In the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or unemployed self-employed individual for a week of total unemployment shall be the average of the payments of regular compensation made under all State laws referred to in § 625.2(r)(1)(i) for weeks of total unemployment in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which the major disaster began. The weekly amount so determined, if not an even dollar amount, shall be rounded to the next higher dollar.
(d) In American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or unemployed self-employed individual for a week of total unemployment shall be the amount agreed upon by the Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, for Region VI (San Francisco), and the Federal Coordinating Officer, which shall approximate 50 percent of the area-wide average of the weekly wages paid to individuals in the major disaster area in the quarter immediately preceding the quarter in which the major disaster began. The weekly amount so determined, if not an even dollar amount, shall be rounded to the next higher dollar.
(e) The State agency shall immediately determine, upon the filing of an initial application for DUA, a weekly amount under the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, as the case may be, based on the individual's statement of employment or self-employment preceding the individual's unemployment that was a direct result of the major disaster, and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-employment. An immediate determination of a weekly amount shall also be made where, in conjunction with the filing of an initial application for DUA, the individual submits documentation substantiating employment or self-employment and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-employment, or, in the absence of documentation, where any State agency records of employment or self-employment and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-employment, justify the determination of a weekly amount. An immediate determination shall also be made based on the individual's statement or in conjunction with the submittal of documentation in those cases where the individual was to commence employment or self-employment on or after the date the major disaster began but was prevented from doing so as a direct result of the disaster.
(1) In the case of a weekly amount determined in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, based only on the individual's statement of earnings, the individual shall furnish documentation to substantiate the employment or self-employment or wages earned from or paid for such employment or self-employment or documentation to support that the individual was to commence employment or self-employment on or after the date the major disaster began. In either case, documentation shall be submitted within 21 calendar days of the filing of the initial application for DUA.
(2) Any individual who fails to submit documentation to substantiate employment or self-employment or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this section, shall be determined ineligible for the payment of DUA for any week of unemployment due to the disaster. Any weeks for which DUA was already paid on the application prior to the date of the determination of ineligibility under this paragraph (e)(2) are overpaid and a determination shall be issued in accordance with § 625.14(a). In addition, the State agency shall consider whether the individual is subject to a disqualification for fraud in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 625.14(i).
(3) For purposes of a computation of a weekly amount under paragraph (a) of this section, if an individual submits documentation to substantiate employment or self-employment in accordance with paragraph (e)(1), but not documentation of wages earned or paid during the base period set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, including those cases where the individual has not filed a tax return for the most recent tax year that has ended, the State agency shall immediately redetermine the weekly amount of DUA payable to the individual in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
(4) Any individual determined eligible for a weekly amount of DUA under the provisions of paragraph (e)(3) of this section may submit necessary documentation to substantiate wages earned or paid during the base period set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, including those cases where the individual has not filed a tax return for the most recent tax year that has ended, at any time prior to the end of the disaster assistance period. A redetermination of the weekly amount payable, as previously determined under paragraph (b) of this section, shall immediately be made if the wages earned or paid for services performed in employment or self-employment reflected in such documentation is sufficient to permit a computation under paragraph (a) of this section of a weekly amount higher than was determined under paragraph (b) of this section. Any higher amount so determined shall be applicable to all weeks during the disaster assistance period for which the individual was eligible for the payment of DUA.
(f)(1) The weekly amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or unemployed self-employed individual for a week of partial or part-total unemployment shall be the weekly amount determined under paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section, as the case may be, reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of wages that the individual earned in that week as determined by applying to such wages the earnings allowance for partial or part-total employment prescribed by the applicable State law.
(2) The weekly amount of DUA payable to an unemployed self-employed individual for a week of unemployment shall be the weekly amount determined under paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section, as the case may be, reduced (but not below zero) by the full amount of any income received during the week for the performance of services in self-employment, regardless of whether or not any services were performed during the week, by applying the earnings allowance as set forth in paragraph (f)(1) of this section. Notwithstanding the definition of “wages” for a self-employed individual under § 625.2(u), the term “any income” for purposes of this paragraph (f)(2) means gross income.
§ 625.7   Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Duration.
DUA shall be payable to an eligible unemployed worker or eligible unemployed self-employed individual for all weeks of unemployment which begin during a Disaster Assistance Period.
§ 625.8   Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
(a) Initial application. An initial application for DUA shall be filed by an individual with the State agency of the applicable State within 30 days after the announcement date of the major disaster as the result of which the individual became unemployed, and on a form prescribed by the Secretary which shall be furnished to the individual by the State agency. An initial application filed later than 30 days after the announcement date of the major disaster shall be accepted as timely by the State agency if the applicant had good cause for the late filing, but in no event shall an initial application be accepted by the State agency if it is filed after the expiration of the Disaster Assistance Period. If the 30th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday in the major disaster area, the 30-day time limit shall be extended to the next business day.
(b) Weekly applications. Applications for DUA for weeks of unemployment shall be filed with respect to the individual's applicable State at the times and in the manner as claims for regular compensation are filed under the applicable State law, and on forms prescribed by the Secretary which shall be furnished to the individual by the State agency.
(c) Filing in person. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, all applications for DUA, including initial applications, shall be filed in person.
(2) Whenever an individual has good cause for not filing any application for DUA in person, the application shall be filed at such time, in such place, and in such a manner as directed by the State agency and in accordance with this part and procedures prescribed by the Secretary.
(d) IBPP. The “Interstate Benefit Payment Plan” shall apply, where appropriate, to an individual filing applications for DUA.
(e) Wage combining. The “Interstate Arrangement for Combining Employment and Wages” (part 616 of this chapter) shall apply, where appropriate, to an individual filing applications for DUA: Provided, That the “Paying State” shall be the applicable State for the individual as prescribed in § 625.12.
(f) Procedural requirements. (1) The procedures for reporting and filing applications for DUA shall be consistent with this part, and with the Secretary's “Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, Job Finding and Employment Services,” Employment Security Manual. Part V, sections 5000 et seq. (appendix A of this part), insofar as such standard is not inconsistent with this part.
(2) The provisions of the applicable State law which apply hereunder to applications for and the payment of DUA shall be applied consistent with the requirements of title III of the Social Security Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act which are pertinent in the case of regular compensation, including but not limited to those standards and requirements specifically referred to in the provisions of this part.
§ 625.9   Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual.
(a) Determination of initial application. (1) The State agency shall promptly, upon the filing of an initial application for DUA, determine whether the individual is eligible, and if the individual is found to be eligible, the weekly amount of DUA payable to the individual and the period during which DUA is payable.
(2) An individual's eligibility for DUA shall be determined, where a reliable record of employment, self-employment and wages is not obtainable, on the basis of an affidavit submitted to the State agency by the individual, and on a form prescribed by the Secretary which shall be furnished to the individual by the State agency.
(b) Determinations of weekly applications. The State agency shall promptly, upon the filing of an application for a payment of DUA with respect to a week of unemployment, determine whether the individual is entitled to a payment of DUA with respect to that week, and, if entitled, the amount of DUA to which the individual is entitled.
(c) Redetermination. The provisions of the applicable State law concerning the right to request, or authority to undertake, reconsideration of a determination pertaining to regular compensation under the applicable State law shall apply to determinations pertaining to DUA.
(d) Notices to individual. The State agency shall give notice in writing to the individual, by the most expeditious method, of any determination or redetermination of an initial application, and of any determination of an application for DUA with respect to a week of unemployment which denies DUA or reduces the weekly amount initially determined to be payable, and of any redetermination of an application for DUA with respect to a week of unemployment. Each notice of determination or redetermination shall include such information regarding the determination or redetermination and notice of right to reconsideration or appeal, or both, as is furnished with written notices of determination and written notices of redeterminations with respect to claims for regular compensation.
(e) Promptness. Full payment of DUA when due shall be made with the greatest promptness that is administratively feasible.
(f) Secretary's Standard. The procedures for making determinations and redeterminations, and furnishing written notices of determinations, redeterminations, and rights of appeal to individuals applying for DUA, shall be consistent with this part and with the Secretary's “Standard for Claim Determinations—Separation Information,” Employment Security Manual. Part V, sections 6010 et seq. (Appendix B of this part).
§ 625.10   Appeal and review.
(a) States of the United States. (1) Any determination or redetermination made pursuant to § 625.9, by the State agency of a State (other than the State agency of the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) may be appealed by the applicant in accordance with the applicable State law to the first-stage administrative appellate authority in the same manner and to the same extent as a determination or redetermination of a right to regular compensation may be appealed under the applicable State law, except that the period for appealing shall be 60 days from the date the determination or redetermination is issued or mailed instead of the appeal period provided for in the applicable State law. Any decision on a DUA first-stage appeal must be made and issued within 30 days after receipt of the appeal by the State.
(2) Notice of the decision on appeal, and the reasons therefor, shall be given to the individual by delivering the notice to such individual personally or by mailing it to the individual's last known address, whichever is most expeditious. The decision shall contain information as to the individual's right to review of the decision by the appropriate Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, if requested within 15 days after the decision was mailed or delivered in person to the individual. The notice will include the manner of requesting such review, and the complete address of the Regional Administrator. Notice of the decision on appeal shall be given also to the State agency (with the same notice of right to review) and to the appropriate Regional Administrator.
(b) Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. (1) In the case of an appeal by an individual from a determination or redetermination by the State agency of the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the individual shall be entitled to a hearing and decision in accordance with § 625.30 of this part.
(2) Notice of the referee's decision, and the reasons therefor, shall be given to the individual by delivering the notice to the individual personally or by mailing it to the individual's last known address, whichever is most expeditious. The notice of decision shall contain information as to the individual's right to review of the decision by the Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, for Region VI (San Francisco), and the manner of obtaining such review, including the address of the Regional Administrator. Notice of the decision on appeal shall be given also to the State agency and to the Regional Administrator.
(c) Review by Regional Administrator. (1) The appropriate Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, upon request for review by an applicant or the State agency shall, or upon the Regional Administrator's own motion may, review a decision on appeal issued pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
(2) Any request for review by an applicant or a State agency shall be filed, and any review on the Regional Administrator's own motion shall be undertaken, within 15 days after notice of the decision on appeal was delivered or mailed to the individual.
(3)(i) A request for review by an individual may be filed with the appropriate State agency, which shall forward the request to the appropriate Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, or may be filed directly with the appropriate Regional Administrator.
(ii) A request for review by a State agency shall be filed with the appropriate Regional Administrator, and a copy shall be served on the individual by delivery to the individual personally or by mail to the individual's last known address.
(iii) When a Regional Administrator undertakes a review of a decision on the Regional Administrator's own motion, notice thereof shall be served promptly on the individual and the State agency.
(iv) Whenever review by a Regional Administrator is undertaken pursuant to an appeal or on the Regional Administrator's own motion, the State agency shall promptly forward to the Regional Administrator the entire record of the case.
(v) Where service on the individual is required by paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, adequate proof of service shall be furnished for the record before the Regional Administrator, and be a condition of the Regional Administrator undertaking review pursuant to this paragraph.
(4) The decision of the Regional Administrator on review shall be rendered promptly, and not later than the earlier of—
(i) 45 days after the appeal is received or is undertaken by the Regional Administrator, or
(ii) 90 days from the date the individual's appeal from the determination or redetermination was received by the State agency.
(5) Notice of the Regional Administrator's decision shall be mailed promptly to the last known address of the individual, to the State agency of the applicable State, and to the Administrator, Office of Workforce Security. The decision of the Regional Administrator shall be the final decision under the Act and this part, unless there is further review by the Assistant Secretary as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.
(d) Further review by the Assistant Secretary. (1) The Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training on his or her own motion may review any decision by a Regional Administrator issued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) Notice of a motion for review by the Assistant Secretary shall be given to the applicant, the State agency of the applicable State, the appropriate Regional Administrator, and the Administrator, Office of Workforce Security.
(3) When the Regional Administrator and the State agency are notified of the Assistant Secretary's motion for review, they shall forward all records in the case to the Assistant Secretary.
(4) Review by the Assistant Secretary shall be solely on the record in the case, any other written contentions or evidence requested by the Assistant Secretary, and any further evidence or arguments offered by the individual, the State agency, the Regional Administrator, or the Administrator, Office of Workforce Security, which are mailed to the Assistant Secretary within 15 days after mailing the notice of motion for review.
(5) Upon review of a case under this paragraph, the Assistant Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the Regional Administrator, and may remand the case for further proceedings and decision in accordance with the Assistant Secretary's decision.
(6) The decision of the Assistant Secretary shall be made promptly, and notice thereof shall be sent to the applicant, the State agency, the Regional Administrator, and the Administrator, Office of Workforce Security.
(7) The decision of the Assistant Secretary shall be final and conclusive, and binding on all interested parties, and shall be a precedent applicable throughout the States.
(e) Procedural requirements. (1) All decisions on first-stage appeals from determinations or redeterminations by the State agencies must be made within 30 days of the appeal; therefore, the Secretary's “Standard for Appeals Promptness-Unemployment Compensation” in part 650 of this chapter shall not apply to the DUA program.
(2) The provisions on right of appeal and opportunity for hearing and review with respect to applications for DUA shall be consistent with this part and with sections 303(a)(1) and 303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1) and 503(a)(3).
(3) Any petition or other matter required to be filed within a time limit under this section shall be deemed to be filed at the time it is delivered to an appropriate office, or at the time of the postmark if it is mailed via the United States Postal Service to an appropriate office.
(4) If any limited time period specified in this section ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday in the major disaster area, the time limit shall be extended to the next business day.
§ 625.11   Provisions of State law applicable.
The terms and conditions of the State law of the applicable State for an individual, which apply to claims for, and the payment of regular compensation, shall apply to applications for, and the payment of, DUA to each such individual, only as specifically set forth in the provisions of this part.
§ 625.12   The applicable State for an individual.
(a) Applicable State. The applicable State for an individual shall be that State in which the individual's unemployment is the result of a major disaster.
(b) Limitation. DUA is payable to an individual only by an applicable State as determined pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, and—
(1) Only pursuant to an Agreement entered into pursuant to the Act and this part, and with respect to weeks in which the Agreement is in effect; and
(2) Only with respect to weeks of unemployment that begin during a Disaster Assistance Period.
§ 625.13   Restrictions on entitlement; disqualification.
(a) Income reductions. The amount of DUA payable to an individual for a week of unemployment, as computed pursuant to § 625.6, shall be reduced by the amount of any of the following that an individual has received for the week or would receive for the week if the individual filed a claim or application therefor and took all procedural steps necessary under the appropriate law, contract, or policy to receive such payment:
(1) Any benefits or insurance proceed from any source not defined as “compensation” under § 625.2(d) for loss of wages due to illness or disability;
(2) A supplemental unemployment benefit pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
(3) Private income protection insurance;
(4) Any workers' compensation by virtue of the death of the head of the household as the result of the major disaster in the major disaster area, prorated by weeks, if the individual has become the head of the household and is seeking suitable work because the head of the household died as the result of the major disaster in the major disaster area; and
(5) The prorated amount of a retirement pension or annuity under a public or private retirement plan or system, prorated, where necessary, by weeks, but only if, and to the extent that, such amount would be deducted from regular compensation payable under the applicable State law.
(6) The prorated amount of primary benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, but only to the extent that such benefits would be deduced from regular compensation if payable to the individual under the applicable State law.
(b) Disqualification. (1) An individual shall not be entitled to DUA for any week after the week in which the individual is reemployed in a suitable position.
(2) An individual who refuses without good cause to accept a bona fide offer of reemployment in a position suitable to the individual, or to investigate or accept a referral to a position which is suitable to and available to the individual, shall not be entitled to DUA with respect to the week in which such refusal occurs or in any subsequent week in the Disaster Assistance Period. For the purposes of this paragraph, a position shall not be deemed to be suitable for an individual if the circumstances present any unusual risk to the health, safety, or morals of the individual, if it is impracticable for the individual to accept the position, or if acceptance for the position would, as to the individual, be inconsistent with any labor standard in section 3304(a)(5) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, 26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5), or the comparable provisions of the applicable State law.
§ 625.14   Overpayments; disqualification for fraud.
(a) Finding and repayment. If the State agency of the applicable State finds that an individual has received a payment of DUA to which the individual was not entitled under the Act and this part, whether or not the payment was due to the individual's fault or misrepresentation, the individual shall be liable to repay to the applicable State the total sum of the payment to which the individual was not entitled, and the State agency shall take all reasonable measures authorized under any State law or Federal law to recover for the account of the United States the total sum of the payment to which the individual was not entitled.
(b) Recovery by offset. (1) The State agency shall recover, insofar as is possible, the amount of any outstanding overpayment of DUA made to the individual by the State, by deductions from any DUA payable to the individual under the Act and this part, or from any compensation payable to the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation law administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or allowance payable to the individual with respect to unemployment under any other Federal law administered by the State agency.
(2) The State agency shall also recover, insofar as possible, the amount of any outstanding overpayment of DUA made to the individual by another State, by deductions from any DUA payable by the State agency to the individual under the Act and this part, or from any compensation payable to the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation law administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or allowance payable to the individual with respect to unemployment under any other Federal law administered by the State agency.
(3) If the State has in effect an agreement to implement the cross-program offset provisions of section 303(g)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(g)(2)), the State shall apply the provisions of such agreement to the recovery of outstanding DUA overpayments.
(c) Debts due the United States. DUA payable to an individual shall be applied by the State agency for the recovery by offset of any debt due to the United States from the individual, but shall not be applied or used by the State agency in any manner for the payment of any debt of the individual to any State or any other entity or person.
(d) Recovered overpayments. Overpayments recovered in any manner shall be credited or returned, as the case may be, to the appropriate account of the United States.
(e) Application of State law. Any provision of State law authorizing waiver of recovery of overpayments of compensation shall not be applicable to DUA.
(f) Final decision. Recovery of any overpayment of DUA shall not be enforced by the State agency until the determination establishing the overpayment has become final, or if appeal is taken from the determination, until the decision after opportunity for a fair hearing has become final.
(g) Procedural requirements. (1) The provisions of paragraphs (c), (d), and (f) of § 625.9 shall apply to determinations and redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
(2) The provisions of § 625.10 shall apply to determinations and redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
(h) Fraud detection and prevention. Provisions in the procedures of each State with respect to detection and prevention of fraudulent overpayments of DUA shall be, as a minimum, commensurate with the procedures adopted by the State with respect to regular compensation and consistent with the Secretary's “Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection,” Employment Security Manual, part V, sections 7510 et seq. (Appendix C of this part).
(i) Disqualification for fraud. Any individual who, with respect to a major disaster, makes or causes another to make a false statement or misrepresentation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails or causes another to fail to disclose a material fact, in order to obtain for the individual or any other person a payment of DUA to which the individual or any other person is not entitled, shall be disqualified as follows:
(1) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure pertains to an initial application for DUA—
(i) The individual making the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure shall be disqualified from the receipt of any DUA with respect to that major disaster; and
(ii) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure was made on behalf of another individual, and was known to such other individual to be a false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure, such other individual shall be disqualified from the receipt of any DUA with respect to that major disaster; and
(2) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure pertains to a week for which application for a payment of DUA is made—
(i) The individual making the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure shall be disqualified from the receipt of DUA for that week and the first two compensable weeks in the Disaster Assistance Period that immediately follow that week, with respect to which the individual is otherwise entitled to a payment of DUA; and
(ii) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure was made on behalf of another individual, and was known to such other individual to be a false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure, such other individual shall be disqualified from the receipt of DUA for that week and the first two compensable weeks in the Disaster Assistance Period that immediately follow that week, with respect to which the individual is otherwise entitled to a payment of DUA.
(j) Criminal penalties. The provisions of this section on recovery of overpayments and disqualification for fraudulently claiming or receiving any DUA to which an individual was not entitled under the Act and this part shall be in addition to and shall not preclude any applicable criminal prosecution and penalties under State or Federal law.
§ 625.15   Inviolate rights to DUA.
Except as specifically provided in this part, the right of individuals to DUA shall be protected in the same manner and to the same extent as the rights of persons to regular unemployment compensation are protected under the applicable State law. Such measures shall include protection of applicants for DUA from waiver, release, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, levy, execution, attachment, and garnishment, of their rights to DUA. In the same manner and to the same extent, individuals shall be protected from discrimination and obstruction in regard to seeking, applying for and receiving any right to DUA.
§ 625.16   Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.
(a) Recordkeeping. Each State agency will make and maintain records pertaining to the administration of the Act as the Secretary requires, and will make all such records available for inspection, examination, and audit by such Federal officials or employees as the Secretary may designate or as may be required by law.
(b) Disclosure of information. Information in records made and maintained by a State agency in administering the Act shall be kept confidential, and information in such records may be disclosed only in the same manner and to the same extent as information with respect to regular compensation and the entitlement of individuals thereto may be disclosed under the applicable State law, and consistently with section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1). This provision on the confidentiality of information obtained in the administration of the Act shall not apply, however, to the United States Department of Labor, or in the case of information, reports and studies requested pursuant to § 625.19, or where the result would be inconsistent with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), or regulations of the United States Department of Labor promulgated thereunder.
§ 625.17   Announcement of the beginning of a Disaster Assistance Period.
Whenever a major disaster is declared in a State, the State agency shall promptly announce throughout the major disaster area by all appropriate news media that individuals who are unemployed as the result of the major disaster may be entitled to DUA; that they should file initial applications for DUA as soon as possible, but not later than the 30th day after the announcement date; the beginning date of the Disaster Assistance Period; and where individuals may obtain further information and file applications for DUA.
§ 625.18   Public access to Agreements.
The State agency of a State will make available to any individual or organization a true copy of the Agreement with the State for inspection and copying. Copies of an Agreement may be furnished on request to any individual or organization upon payment of the same charges, if any, as apply to the furnishing of copies of other records of the State agency.
§ 625.19   Information, reports and studies.
(a) Routine responses. State agencies shall furnish to the Secretary such information and reports and make such studies as the Secretary decides are necessary or appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the Act and this part.
(b) Final report. In addition to such other reports as may be required by the Secretary, within 60 days after all payments of Disaster Unemployment Assistance as the result of a major disaster in the State have been made, the State agency shall submit a final report to the Secretary. A final report shall contain a narrative summary, a chronological list of significant events, pertinent statistics about the Disaster Unemployment Assistance provided to disaster victims, brief statements of major problems encountered, discussion of lessons learned, and suggestions for improvement of the program during future major disasters.
§ 625.20   [Reserved]
§ 625.30   Appeal Procedures for Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(a) Designation of referee. The Director of the Unemployment Insurance Service shall designate a referee of a State agency to hear and decide appeals under this section from determinations and redeterminations by the State agencies of the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(b) Appeals to referee. (1) A DUA applicant may appeal from a determination or redetermination issued by the State agency of the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands within 60 days after the mailing of notice and a copy of such determination or redetermination to such applicant's last known address, or in the absence of mailing within 60 days after delivery in person thereof to such applicant. The appeal shall be in writing and may be filed with any office of the State agency.
(2) Notice that an appeal has been filed may be given or mailed, in the discretion of the referee, to any person who has offered or is believed to have evidence with respect to the claim.
(3) An appeal shall be promptly scheduled and heard, in order that a decision on the appeal can be issued within 30 days after receipt of the appeal by the State agency. Written notice of hearing, specifying the time and place thereof and those questions known to be in dispute, shall be given or mailed to the applicant, the State agency, and any person who has offered or is believed to have evidence with respect to the claim 7 days or more before the hearing, except that a shorter notice period may be used with the consent of the applicant.
(c) Conduct of hearings. Hearings before the referee shall be informal, fair, and impartial, and shall be conducted in such manner as may be best suited to determine the DUA applicants' right to compensation. Hearings shall be open to the public unless sufficient cause for a closed hearing is shown. The referee shall open a hearing by ascertaining and summarizing the issue or issues involved in the appeal. The applicant may examine and cross-examine witnesses, inspect documents, and explain or rebut any evidence. An opportunity to present argument shall be afforded such applicant, and such argument shall be made part of the record. The referee shall give such applicant, if not represented by counsel or other representative, every assistance that does not interfere with the impartial discharge of the referee's duties. The referee may examine such applicant and other witnesses to such extent as the referee deems necessary. Any issue involved in the claim shall be considered and passed upon even though such issue was not set forth as a ground of appeal.
(d) Evidence. Oral or written evidence of any nature, whether or not conforming to the legal rules of evidence, may be accepted. Any official record of the State agency, including reports submitted in connection with administration of the DUA program, may be included in the record if the applicant is given an opportunity to examine and rebut the same. A written statement under oath or affirmation may be accepted when it appears impossible or unduly burdensome to require the attendance of a witness, but a DUA applicant adversely affected by such a statement must be given the opportunity to examine such statement, to comment on or rebut any or all portions thereof, and whenever possible to cross-examine a witness whose testimony has been introduced in written form by submitting written questions to be answered in writing.
(e) Record. All oral testimony before the referee shall be taken under oath or affirmation and a transcript thereof shall be made and kept. Such transcript together with all exhibits, papers, and requests filed in the proceeding shall constitute the record for decision.
(f) Withdrawal of appeal. A DUA applicant who has filed an appeal may withdraw such appeal with the approval of the referee.
(g) Nonappearance of DUA applicant. Failure of a DUA applicant to appear at a hearing shall not result in a decision being automatically rendered against such applicant. The referee shall render a decision on the basis of whatever evidence is properly before him/her unless there appears to be a good reason for continuing the hearing. An applicant who fails to appear at a hearing with respect to his/her appeal may within seven days thereafter petition for a reopening of the hearing. Such petition shall be granted if it appears to the referee that such applicant has shown good cause for his/her failure to attend.
(h) Notice of referee's decision and further review —(1) Decision. A copy of the referee's decision, which shall include findings and conclusions, shall promptly be given or mailed to the applicant, the State agency, and to the Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, for Region VI (San Francisco). The decision of the referee shall be accompanied by an explanation of the right of such applicant or State agency to request review by the Regional Administrator and the time and manner in which such review may be instituted, as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of § 625.10.
(2) Time limit for decision. A decision on an appeal to a referee under this section shall be made and issued by the referee not later than 30 days after receipt of the appeal by the State agency.
(3) Further review. Further review by the Regional Administrator or the Assistant Secretary with respect to an appeal under this section shall be in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of § 625.10.
(i) Consolidation of appeals. The referee may consolidate appeals and conduct joint hearings thereon where the same or substantially similar evidence is relevant and material to the matters in issue. Reasonable notice of consolidation and the time and place of hearing shall be given or mailed to the applicants or their representatives, the State agency, and to persons who have offered or are believed to have evidence with respect to the DUA claims.
(j) Representation. A DUA applicant may be represented by counsel or other representative in any proceedings before the referee or the Regional Administrator. Any such representative may appear at any hearing or take any other action which such applicant may take under this part. The referee, for cause, may bar any person from representing an applicant, in which event such action shall be set forth in the record. No representative shall charge an applicant more than an amount fixed by the referee for representing the applicant in any proceeding under this section.
(k) Postponement, continuance, and adjournment of hearings. A hearing before the referee shall be postponed, continued, or adjourned when such action is necessary to afford a DUA applicant reasonable opportunity for a fair hearing. In such case notice of the subsequent hearing shall be given to any person who received notice of the prior hearing.
(l) Information from agency records. Information shall be available to a DUA applicant, either from the records of the State agency or as obtained in any proceeding herein provided for, to the extent necessary for proper presentation of his/her case. All requests for information shall state the nature of the information desired as clearly as possible and shall be in writing unless made at a hearing.
(m) Filing of decisions. Copies of all decisions of the referee shall be kept on file at his/her office or agency for at least 3 years.