The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), for people who lost jobs because of the World Trade Center attack, has been extended until March 16, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

This is the fourth extension of the program, which initially was announced last October.

The DUA program provides 26 weeks of benefits to business owners, workers or self-employed people who lost jobs as a direct result of the disaster, including those who are not eligible for New York State’s regular unemployment program benefits.

DUA is funded by FEMA and administered by the state Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA or regular unemployment insurance, call the department’s claims line at 888-209-8124, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, earnings figures and employment history available when you call.