(Harrisburg) -- Some midstate residents may be eligible for federal aid if they were unable to work due to Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. A federal disaster unemployment assistance program has been set up for people who live in one of the several counties that were declared "disaster areas" by President Barack Obama. Patrick Beaty, with the state Department of Labor and Industry, says the aid covers a variety of people affected by the storms. "It's available if you cannot work because of an injury or an illness caused as a direct result of the disaster, or because you are a breadwinner or a major supporter of your household because the head of the household has died as a direct result of the disaster," he says. Beaty says assistance would cover 26 weeks worth of benefits, and it's also available for people who are self-employed or whose jobs are not covered by state unemployment compensation laws. He adds applications for aid are due by October 14th. Midstate counties designated "disaster areas" as a result of Tropical Storm Lee include Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union, and York. Those interested in filing applications can call 1-877-FILE-DUA (1-877-345-3382.)