Sinlaku unemployment aid payments could begin in January or February

The CNMI Department of Labor estimates that eligible Super Typhoon Sinlaku victims could begin receiving Disaster Unemployment Assistance payments in January or February 2027, with nearly 3,800 applications received as of Oct. 23.

Employment Services director Eugene Tebuteb told Marianas Press in an interview Friday that the estimate is based on the department's experience processing claims following Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018.

During Yutu, he said, it took approximately three months from the filing of a claim to the issuance of a check. However, Sinlaku has already generated significantly more applications.

“I would say January, February. February, just to be safe,” Tebuteb said.

He stressed that the estimate assumes claims are complete and no additional problems arise during processing.

Tebuteb said the department had received 3,792 applications as of Friday, but none had been approved or denied because the program was still completing its first phase.

With the Oct. 24 application deadline just a day away, Tebuteburged residents who believe they qualify to apply immediately.

“I highly encourage everybody to submit it by today or by tomorrow,” he said.

The department will accept in-person applications Saturday from 7:30am to 4:30pm, while online applications may be submitted until 11:59pm.

Tebuteb said the department had asked federal officials three times about extending the deadline, but was told the cutoff must be followed under federal regulations.

“So there's really no way we can request an extension,” he said.

Unlike the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program during COVID-19, the current program specifically covers unemployment and work interruptions caused by Sinlaku.

Eligible applicants may receive retroactive benefits for qualifying weeks of unemployment dating back to April 12, the beginning of the disaster assistance period.

Tebuteb also clarified that CW-1 foreign workers can apply for DUA and may be approved depending on their eligibility under federal immigration classifications.

“Even if you're a CW-1 visa holder, submit it because you might qualify under other categories,” he said.

He emphasized that approval is not automatic. Applications from foreign workers must undergo verification through a federal immigration verification system before a final determination can be made.

Tebuteb contrasted the current program with Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, saying CW-1 workers were initially ineligible for PUA but became eligible during a subsequent phase under the Continued Assistance Act.

He also confirmed that freelancers, farmers, fishermen, and other self-employed workers can apply for Sinlaku assistance.

Acceptable proof of income and disaster-related losses may include tax records, bank receipts, ledgers, and contracts. However, applicants must establish that their employment or earnings were actually interrupted by the typhoon.

The CNMI received approximately $10.16 million in federal funding for DUA, with roughly $8 million intended for benefits and the remainder for administrative expenses.

Tebuteb said none of the funding earmarked for benefits has been disbursed because no claims have been approved.

He said incomplete documentation has historically been the leading reason applicants are denied assistance, particularly when they fail to provide proof of income or earnings.

As the department prepares to verify and process claims, Tebuteb assured applicants that personnel would work with them to complete their requirements.

“We're not gatekeepers of the program. We're not here to deny you,” he said.

Residents may apply online at labor.cnmi.gov before Saturday's deadline.