Benefits for jobless after Sandy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Islanders in two counties who lost their jobs because of Superstorm Sandy are eligible for federal unemployment benefits.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee says that federal disaster unemployment aid is available to workers in Washington and Newport counties. The help is available to those who lose their jobs or major sources of income because of the storm, or whose businesses were damaged and are not able to operate.

Chafee's office says that workers who haven't been able to travel to their workplace because of storm-related damage also may apply.

Workers seeking disaster benefits should file online at the state Department of Labor and Training for regular unemployment insurance and indicate the storm is the reason for their unemployment.

Workers may be entitled to up to 27 weeks of benefits.