Individuals in Texas whose employment or self-employment was interrupted due to Hurricane Ike can file for disaster relief unemployment assistance from the state.

Applications must be filed by Oct. 15.

Texas counties included in the disaster declaration are Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Washington.

Applicants must be able to show that they can no longer work or perform services due to physical damage or destruction of their place of employment as a result of the hurricane, or cannot work due to injuries directly related to the disaster.

They must provide their Social Security number, a copy of their most recent federal income tax form or check stub, or other documentation to support they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred.

Applications for disaster-related unemployment assistance may be made online at www.texasworkforce.org. Houston region residents can also call the Texas Workforce Commission local office at 281-983-1100 or toll-free at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.