Information for EEOC Employees Affected by Hurricane Katrina

Last updated January 9, 2006.

This page is intended to be a source of information for EEOC employees displaced by Katrina and for all other EEOC stakeholders impacted by this devastating hurricane.

Contact us

• EEOC National Contact Center - Toll free (7am - 7pm Central time):
  • 1-800-669-4000, (TTY) 1-800-669-6820 or
• During business hours (from 6am - 6pm):
  • 202-663-4935 or 202-663-4865

From the Chair

• Chair's memo to employees - September 8, 2005
• Chair's memo to employees - August 31, 2005

Payment/Salary Issues

Do not worry about salary and leave issues. Your salary will continue to be sent to wherever you have previously designated. If you are having trouble accessing your funds, need to change the designation, or receive an advance, contact us as soon as possible. As of this date, all New Orleans employees are considered to be in temporary duty (TDY) travel status until further notice. Please see Travel Status and Temporary Housing Guidelines from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Procedures For Submitting Travel Vouchers (updated 10/3/05 with instructions and samples).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced an expedited assistance program that includes distribution of $2,000 per household via electronic transfer, check or debit card. Register via the FEMA website.

Employee Assistance Program

The EEOC Employee Assistance Program is available to assist with locating resources and providing emotional support for employees and their families. EAP will be partnering with clinicians and case managers in your area or near your present location to provide assistance. The number to call is 1-800-222-0364. The FOH website, http://www.foh.dhhs.gov/, also has several helpful documents on ways of coping with the effects of storms. Employees may also contact the Health & Wellness Center at headquarters 202-663-4101.

Getting Legal Help from Volunteer Groups and Others

The American Bar Association (ABA) has set up an Internet Web site - http://www.abanet.org/katrina/ - that lists hotlines and resources for victims of Hurricane Katrina. (The ABA is recruiting a group of lawyers who will give free (pro bono) legal services for persons affected by the hurricane.)

The ABA (along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)) has also set up three 24-hour toll-free phone numbers for victims of Hurricane Katrina in need of legal help. Lawyers from local bar associations will answer questions and offer free legal advice on problems caused or worsened by the disaster -

• For Louisiana residents: 1-800-310-7029
• For Mississippi residents: 1-866-255-4495
• For Alabama residents: 1-800-354-6154

Other Disaster Recovery Information

• Hurricane Katrina Recovery information at FirstGov - a comprehensive listing of available resources
• OPM Memorandum: HR Flexibilities Available to Assist Federal Employees Affected by Severe Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

This page was last modified on January 9, 2006.