CHAVES COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) -- Chaves County residents affected by last month's floods can now apply for unemployment assistance from the federal government. According to FEMA, those who lost their jobs, or are self-employed and can no longer work as a result of the disaster, are being encouraged to apply for assistance. They said residents must have been unemployed for at least a week following the flood to be eligible. Unemployment assistance through FEMA is expected to be available until May of next year. Click here for more information.