U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) applauded the U.S. Department of Labor's decision to extend the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in North Carolina counties seriously impacted by Hurricane Irene.  “While North Carolina is dedicated to a complete recovery from Hurricane Irene, many of our counties continue to face major infrastructure and communications obstacles,” Hagan said.  The extension to November 1, 2011, was granted for all 35 North Carolina counties included in the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Irene.   DUA is meant specifically for individuals whose jobs have been lost or interrupted directly because of a major natural disaster.   In the month since Hurricane Irene struck North Carolina, nearly $1 million a day in state and federal aid has made its way to help individuals and families recover from the storm. More than $29.9 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help speed recovery across the 35 counties designated for individual assistance in the disaster declaration.  October 31 is the deadline to apply for disaster assistance.  Survivors who do not need FEMA disaster assistance or have additional needs are referred to partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Small Business Administration.