Special Unemployment Compensation Programs Special Unemployment Compensation Programs Workers in post-9/11 New York City and in Florida after the disastrous 2004 hurricane season could have been eligible for unemployment under special guidelines established by the U.S. government, even if they werent typically eligible for regular unemployment compensation. Special unemployment compensation requires a separate application and you should be aware of qualifying conditions that may afford you greater protection during loss of employment due to disasters. If youve lost your job and fall into one of the following categories, you may be covered under a special unemployment compensation program. If you've lost your job and fall into one of the following categories, you may be covered under a special unemployment compensation program: Federal employees Ex-servicemembers, based on active duty service Individuals who can no longer work as a result of a natural disaster but who do not qualify for regular state or federal unemployment benefits Individuals who were laid off or had their hours reduced because their employer was adversely affected by increased imports from other countries (special weekly benefits may be payable only after regular unemployment benefits have been exhausted)