New Mexico Awarded More than $3 Million for Road Repairs in Lincoln County

DENTON, Texas – On Oct. 6, 2014, at the request of Governor Susana Martinez, President Obama declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico. In June 2015, the state of New Mexico was awarded more than $3 million in federal disaster assistance for repairs to roads in Lincoln County following severe storms and flooding in July and August 2014. The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management continues to administer the funds and provide support to the county as it recovers.

The severe weather and floodwaters washed away a total of 15 roads. The funding covers the excavation of the roads; the hauling and replacement of gravel; the shaping and grading of the roads; and hazard mitigation measures to reduce the risk of future storm damage. 

The funding is made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program. To date, FEMA has obligated more than $5.9 million in relation to the last year’s severe storms and flooding.

The funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of New Mexico; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

It is important that citizens take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families. There are actions that should be taken before, during and after an event that are unique to each hazard. Identify the hazards that have happened or could happen in your area and plan for the unique actions for each. 

Local emergency management offices can help identify the hazards in your area and outline the local plans and recommendations for each. Share the hazard-specific information with family members and include pertinent materials in your family disaster plan.

For additional information, visit www.ready.gov. Some basic protection actions are similar across many different hazards. They include:

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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New Mexico Awarded More than $3 Million for Road Repairs in Lincoln County

More than $137 Million Flows to Texas One Month Following Disaster

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal dollars are flowing into Texas communities recovering from the May 4 through June 19 storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and floods.

To date, more than $137 million in state and federal grants, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans, and National Flood Insurance Program claims have been approved and/or paid to Texans.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), partners in the state’s recovery, provide the following summary of disaster assistance efforts as of June 30:

        NUMBER            ACTIVITY

  • $75.9 million         NFIP Flood claims paid to Texans since May 4
  • $27.7 million        SBA low-interest disaster loans
  • $34.1 million        Housing, Other Needs Grants
  • 22,158                  Total FEMA Registrations
  • 16,544                  Home inspections completed
  • 8,380                    National Flood Insurance Program claims to date 
  • 1,846                    Visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
  • 800                      Number of federal workers in Texas assisting with disaster recovery
  • 264                      Billboard and outdoor electronic signs displaying FEMA information
  • 58                       Number of counties designated for Public Assistance
  • 31                       Number of counties designated for Individual Assistance
  • 25                      Fixed and mobile disaster recovery and mobile registration intake centers

The deadline to register with FEMA is July 28. To register for assistance, Texans can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov. or by calling 800-621-3362, (TTY) 800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time daily, until further notice. More information is available online at www.fema.gov or at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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More than $137 Million Flows to Texas One Month Following Disaster

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Sleepy Hollow Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Sleepy Hollow Fire, burning in Chelan County, Wash.
FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Sleepy Hollow Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on June 28, 2015 at 10:45 p.m. PDT. This is the first FMAG approved in the state of Washington this fire season.
The fire started on June 28, 2015, and at the time of the request had burned approximately 2000 acres of private and state land including 6 residences. The fire threatened approximately 630 primary residences in and around the neighborhoods of Broadview, Horse Lake, and N. Western Avenue, in the area of West Wenatchee within the Wenatchee city limits, and to the northwest in the neighborhood of Sleepy Hollow Heights, approximately one mile from Monitor, Wash. Approximately 230 people evacuated from the area. Sheltering operations are ongoing for both community members and livestock.
Firefighting resources onsite include fire suppression crews, engines, overhead supervision, and aircraft support with additional resources on order. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to community and homes due to favorable burning conditions and extreme fire behavior, including rapid spread rates, spotting and high resistance to control. The fire was at 0 percent containment.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible
www.fema.gov
items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

Originally posted here – 

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Sleepy Hollow Fire

FEMA Seeks Texans to Work at Disaster Recovery Offices

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans will have the opportunity to assist with the state’s disaster recovery from the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from May 4 to June 19. Dozens of qualified Texans will be offered temporary jobs as local hires of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its Austin, Denton, and Houston offices.

FEMA has partnered in this venture with the Texas Workforce Commission. Those interested may go to http://www.workintexas.com and create an account. Once logged in, click on “Search All Jobs” and type “FEMA” into the search bar.

Currently, there are six job categories posted:

  • Administrative/Clerical
  • Customer service
  • Logistics
  • Report writing
  • Switchboard/Help desk
  • Technical/Architecture/Engineering

FEMA positions with detailed job descriptions will remain posted through July 24 or until the jobs are filled.

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and must be a U.S. citizen. Qualified applications will be forwarded to FEMA staff, who will select candidates for interviews. Selected candidates should have a valid government identification card, such as a driver’s license or military ID. Candidates will be required to complete a background investigation, which includes finger printing, and additional ID, such as Social Security card, birth certificate or passport. The hiring process may take up to 15 days from the date of application.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, and any other non-merit factor. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

More positions may be posted on the TWC webpage as the disaster recovery continues.

All are encouraged to visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4223 for news and information about this disaster.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger

Source article – 

FEMA Seeks Texans to Work at Disaster Recovery Offices

Frequently Asked Questions on Disaster Assistance for Noncitizens

What is disaster assistance?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide grants to help pay for rent, emergency home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Low-interest disaster recovery loans may be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

 Who is eligible?

A federal disaster declaration made Individual Assistance available to homeowners and renters who live in designated counties in Texas and had damages from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from May 4 to June 19, 2015.

To be eligible for assistance from FEMA, at least one person in the household must be a U.S. citizen, Qualified Alien or noncitizen national with a Social Security number.

Disaster assistance may be available to a household if a parent or guardian applies on behalf of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen or a Qualified Alien. The adult must provide the child’s birth certificate and Social Security card.

Who is a Qualified Alien?

The most common type of Qualified Alien is a Lawful Permanent Resident, defined as someone holding a “Green Card.” Green Card holders have been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.

Others include those to whom the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has granted legal resident status because of:

  • Asylum
  • Refugee status
  • Parole into the U.S. for at least one year
  • Withholding of deportation
  • Immigration from Cuba or Haiti
  • Severe forms of human trafficking, including persons with “T” and “U” visas
  • Domestic violence

To confirm your immigration status, consult an immigration expert. Other immigration information can be found online at http://www.uscis.gov/.

How do I apply?

FEMA offers several ways to apply for assistance:

  • What documents do I need to apply? Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
  • Call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone number will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual specialists are available.
  • Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly.
  • For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
  • Visit a FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Intake Center or state-FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in your area.

To apply for help from FEMA, homeowners and renters may need to provide:

  • A general description of their damages from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from May 4 to June 19, 2015.
  • The address where the damages occurred.
  • If you are a homeowner, proof of ownership.
  • Current contact information.
  • A utility bill to show proof of occupancy.
  • The Social Security number of someone in your household who is an eligible U.S. citizen, Qualified Alien or noncitizen national. FEMA does NOT collect information on the immigration status of other household members.
  • Any insurance policy that covers your losses, such as homeowners, flood or automobile, and proof of any settlements.

Financial information, such as total annual household income at the time of the disaster.

What is the deadline to apply?

  • The registration deadline is July 28, 2015.

Original link: 

Frequently Asked Questions on Disaster Assistance for Noncitizens

Australia and United States Strengthen Emergency Management Partnership

Today, Australia and the United States renewed and strengthened an important and valuable partnership to improve our respective emergency management capabilities. 

Emergency Management Australia (EMA), within the Attorney-General’s Department, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security deepened their existing relationship through a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Emergency Management 2015-2020. 

The new MoU was signed today by EMA Director-General Mark Crosweller and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in Hawaii, during bilateral meetings on emergency management.  

This re-affirmation of the relationship builds upon the success of the 2010-2015 MoU, which has served as a valuable mechanism for Australia and the United States to share knowledge and experiences and strengthen both nations’ capacity.

This relationship is based on our shared commitment to improve the way we prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters.  Past engagement has included a focus on preparedness through enhanced planning and exercising for catastrophic events, strengthening community disaster resilience, as well as improving recovery arrangements.

The new MoU will further improve existing cooperation between the Australian and U.S. Governments in key areas including:

  • crisis coordination arrangements and capabilities across all hazards;
  • policy and planning, including emerging trends in disaster risk reduction, impact assessment, capability development, resilience, recovery, education and community engagement;
  • the administration and evaluation of national recovery programs to deliver effective outcomes for government and the community; and
  • cooperation in multilateral fora to enhance regional disaster management capacity.

We look forward to continuing the strong relationship between our two nations to ensure we continue to improve disaster resilience across Australia and the United States.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

This article is from: 

Australia and United States Strengthen Emergency Management Partnership

SBA Provides Low-Interest Loans to Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters

What is an SBA disaster loan?

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans are the primary source of federal long-term disaster recovery funds for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance is working in conjunction with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help business owners and residents recover, as much as possible, from this declared disaster.

Who is eligible for SBA low-interest loans?

When a federal disaster is declared, the SBA is authorized to offer low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and to individual homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations that have sustained damage in a disaster.

What’s the most common misunderstanding about SBA loans?

The most common misunderstanding about an SBA loan is the assumption that SBA disaster loans are only for businesses. While SBA offers loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords), low-interest loans are always available to individual homeowners, renters, and to private nonprofit organizations alike.

When should survivors apply?

Residents and business owners should apply right away with SBA as part of the overall federal disaster recovery process, and not wait for insurance claims to settle.

Why should survivors apply?

Survivors who do not follow through with the SBA application process because they feel they cannot afford or do not want a loan may end the recovery assistance process for themselves and lose out on additional FEMA dollars.

Whether a loan is wanted or not, the SBA loan application may trigger additional grant assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. The State of Texas

administers the ONA grant funding.

Some of these additional FEMA grants could include reimbursement for lost personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses.

What is available as part of the SBA low-interest loan programs?

Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for home repair or replacement of primary residences and eligible homeowners and renters up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. 

Businesses of all sizes can qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help cover physical damages.

Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact due to the severe weather and flooding can apply for up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

What are the deadlines to apply?

Texas survivors have until July 28, 2015, to apply for SBA loans. Eligible small businesses applying for only the EIDL program have until February 29, 2016.

Disaster survivors who are notified by the SBA that they may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans should work directly with the SBA to complete the application.

How do I apply?

Disaster survivors are urged to call 800-621-FEMA (3362) to register by phone. They may also go into a local Mobile Registration Intake Center or a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA where they also may talk with SBA representatives. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. TTY users should call           800-462-7585, with Video Relay Service survivors calling 800-621-3362.

What happens after I apply?

Most survivors who register with FEMA are automatically referred to the SBA. They will then be contacted directly by SBA or via an automated call back.

What are the loan terms?

Interest rates for SBA disaster loans can be as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years.

Where do I get specific information about the SBA process?

If you have questions about SBA or the process, or need help to complete the SBA application, help is available. Applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by:

  • Calling 800-659-2955
  • Emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
  • Visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster
  • Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339
  • Survivors may also visit with an SBA representative at any State/FEMA/SBA recovery center.

Continued here: 

SBA Provides Low-Interest Loans to Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters

Frequently Asked Questions on Letter of Eligibility

Why did I get a letter stating I’m ineligible?

FEMA routinely corresponds with applicants to let them know if they qualify for federal disaster assistance. The most common reasons for receiving a determination of ineligibility are:

  • Adequate insurance coverage.
  • Insufficient storm-related damage.
  • Missing documentation needed to complete the assistance evaluation process.

What are examples of missing documentation?

You may need to provide an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

What should I do if I receive a letter?

Please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) to check the status of your application, update your contact numbers or ask any questions. Users of 711 or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

If instructed and needed, applicants can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

What if my insurance doesn’t cover all my needs?

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs:

  • If you are unable to live in your home due to disaster damage and your insurance policy does not cover temporary rental assistance, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA.
  • If your home sustained property damage and you’re still waiting for an insurance settlement payment, you may be eligible for an advance from FEMA.

Why am I being contacted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)?

Residents and business owners may automatically be referred to the SBA for possible low-interest disaster recovery loans to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

You should not wait for your insurance settlement to apply for a low-interest disaster from SBA. In disaster recovery, SBA’s low-interest loans may be the primary source of the federal funds for the long-term repair and replacement of disaster-damaged private property for business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.

What if I find more disaster-related damage?

Explain in your written appeal why you need additional home repair assistance. For instance, if you discover the costs of disaster-related home repairs exceeds your home repair grant, you can appeal the initial determination. To wage an effective appeal, include any supporting documentation, such as repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices. FEMA may send another inspector to your damaged property.

Can I appeal FEMA’s determination of eligibility?

You may appeal any decision made by FEMA. By doing so, you are asking FEMA to review your case. Appeals may relate to your initial eligibility determination, the amount or type of assistance received, the need for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, or other disaster-related decisions.

How do I appeal the decision?

All formal appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of receipt of a letter denying assistance.

What else should I include in my appeal?

To ensure accuracy and help FEMA personnel process your appeal quickly, please include the following information in your letter of appeal:

  • Your full name
  • The address of your damaged property
  • Current contact information
  • Disaster number: DR-4223-TX
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Your birthdate and place of birth
  • Your 9-digit FEMA registration number on each page and on supporting documentation
  • Your letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • You must sign the letter

If someone other than you or the co-applicant is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of your appeal for your records.

Where do I send my appeal letter?

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

By fax:

800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Continued here: 

Frequently Asked Questions on Letter of Eligibility

Letter on Eligibility May Not Be Last Word on Disaster Assistance for Texans Affected by Storms, Floods

AUSTIN, Texas – A letter stating a household is ineligible for disaster assistance may not be the final word on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application.

The most common reasons for receiving a determination of ineligibility are:

  •          Adequate insurance coverage.
  •          Insufficient storm-related damage.
  •          Missing documentation needed to complete the assistance evaluation process.

Examples of missing documentation may include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, and proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster. If instructed and needed, applicants can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

“We want to ensure everyone eligible for disaster assistance receives as much help as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related needs. “But remember – grants only cover uninsured or under-insured losses.”

If you receive a letter of ineligibility, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) to check the status of your application, update your contact numbers or ask any questions. Users of 711 or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Applicants ineligible for FEMA grants may still be eligible for other programs, such as disaster unemployment assistance. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to pay for repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other sources.  

Residents and business owners may automatically be referred to the SBA for possible low-interest disaster recovery loans that cover these losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

You should not wait for your insurance settlement to begin an application for a low-interest disaster from SBA. In disaster recovery, SBA’s low-interest loans may be the primary source of the federal funds for the long-term repair and replacement of disaster-damaged private property for business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.

If an applicant has insurance, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, under-insured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

“If you are unable to live in your home due to disaster damage and your insurance policy does not cover temporary rental assistance, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA,” said Hannes. “If you suffered damage and you’re still waiting for an insurance settlement payment, you may be eligible for an advance from FEMA.”

When requesting an increase in a FEMA grant award for home repairs, applicants should submit repair estimates, receipts or invoices to wage an effective appeal.

Applicants may appeal any FEMA decision. By doing so, they are asking FEMA to review their case again. “For instance, if you discover you need more disaster-related home repairs than first projected, you can appeal the initial determination,” said Hannes.

All appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. Applicants should explain why they think the decision is not correct. To ensure accuracy and help FEMA personnel process your appeal quickly, please include the following information in your letter of appeal:

  •          Your full name
  •          The address of your damaged property
  •          Current contact information
  •          Disaster number: DR-4223-TX
  •          Last four digits of your Social Security number
  •          Your birthdate and place of birth
  •          Your 9-digit FEMA registration number on each page and on supporting documentation
  •          Your letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  •          You must sign the letter

If someone other than you or the co-applicant is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of your appeal for your records.

To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked, received by fax, or personally submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center within 60 days of the date on the determination letter.

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

By fax:

800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Applicants may check the status of their applications or update their contact information online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free phone lines remain open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time), seven days a week until further notice. 

More information on filing an appeal can be found online at www.disasterassistance.gov or in the Help After a Disaster that FEMA mails to each applicant.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Taken from – 

Letter on Eligibility May Not Be Last Word on Disaster Assistance for Texans Affected by Storms, Floods

Texans in Fayette County May Now Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – The federal disaster declaration for Texas has been expanded to include Individual Assistance for Fayette County as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred between May 4 and June 19, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Fayette County joins 30 counties already designated for Individual Assistance: Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Fannin, Fort Bend, Gaines, Grayson, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Liberty, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Nueces, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Walker, Wichita, Williamson, Wise and Van Zandt.  Residents in the 31 designated counties are eligible to apply for state and federal assistance.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for rent, temporary housing and home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also are available. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and

renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Texans who had storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Residents and business owners should apply right away with SBA as part of the overall federal disaster recovery process, and not wait for insurance claims to settle.
People can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Originally posted here:

Texans in Fayette County May Now Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

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