Myth vs. Fact: The Truth about Registering for Federal Disaster Assistance

Springfield, Ill. – In the aftermath of a disaster, misconceptions about disaster assistance can often prevent survivors from applying for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration. A good rule of thumb: register, even if you’re unsure whether you’ll be eligible for assistance.

 

Registering with FEMA is simple. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a mobile device by downloading the FEMA app or by visiting m.fema.gov. You can also register over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Clarification on some common misunderstandings:

  • MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and had the repairs made. Isn’t it too late to register once the work is done?
    FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair costs, even if repairs are complete.
  • MYTH: I believe FEMA only makes loans so I didn’t apply for help because I don’t want a loan.          FACT: FEMA only provides grants that do not have to be paid back. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may be contacted by SBA after registering with FEMA. You are not obligated to take out a loan, but if you don’t complete the application, you may not be considered for other federal grant programs. You can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. For more information on SBAs Disaster Loan Program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

  • MYTH: I don’t want to apply for help because others had more damage than I had; they need the help more than I did.
    FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with their disaster-related needs. 
  • MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
    FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced.
  • MYTH: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
    FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
  • MYTH: I heard registration involves a lot of red tape and paperwork.
    FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. The process is very easy and normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
  • MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I’m sure I can’t get it again this year.
    FACT: Assistance may be available if you suffered damages from a new federally-declared disaster.
  • MYTH: My income is probably too high for me to qualify for FEMA disaster assistance.
    FACT: Income is not a consideration for FEMA grant assistance. However you will be asked financial questions during registration to help determine eligibility for SBA low-interest disaster loans.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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Myth vs. Fact: The Truth about Registering for Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA Says File Insurance Claims Before Calling Agency

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that survivors with homeowner’s insurance affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes file a claim with their insurance company and then register for federal disaster assistance.

Once Illinois residents have filed their insurance claim and registered for assistance, it’s important to be aware of the next steps in the process:

  • Insured applicants will receive a determination letter from FEMA — survivors should read the entire letter carefully. The letter may state that they’re ineligible for assistance, but this isn’t necessarily a final decision.
  • FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. To continue processing their application, survivors must submit insurance settlement documents to FEMA.
  • The insurance documents will be reviewed; then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if the applicant has uninsured, eligible losses.
  • Federal disaster assistance may then be available to assist in filling the gaps that a survivor’s insurance has not covered.
  • Survivors can call 800-621-FEMA (3362) if they have any questions.

Applicants can mail insurance settlement information to:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Insurance settlement information can also be faxed to 800-827-8112. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will also be opening to serve people who were affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes. Visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4157 for information on these recovery centers. 

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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FEMA Says File Insurance Claims Before Calling Agency

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in East Peoria, Brookport

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be opening Friday, December 6, 2013 to serve people who were affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

Tazewell County

Festival of Lights East Peoria Illinois (FOLEPI)

2200 E. Washington St.

East Peoria, IL 61611

Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

 

Massac County

Brookport Library

7415 S. US 45

Brookport, IL 62910

Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice (Due to inclement weather, the Brookport DRC opening on Friday, December 6, may be delayed until the afternoon).

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in East Peoria, Brookport

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline is Approaching – Aid may be available to producers who sustained losses in October Storm

RAPID CITY, S.D. –South Dakota workers, including ag producers, have less than two weeks left to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits. The deadline to apply for DUA is Wednesday, Dec. 18.

South Dakota workers who lost their jobs or whose income was affected by the severe winter storm, snow storm and flooding that occurred Oct. 3-16 can file a claim by calling the Unemployment Insurance Call Center at 605-626-3179. DUA is available to those whose employment or income have been affected by the disaster but are not eligible for state unemployment benefits, including ranchers, farmers and the self-employed.

“Bottom line, if you are self-employed and lost income due to the October blizzard, I would encourage you to call 605-626-3179 to find out if you may be eligible for disaster unemployment benefits,” said Federal Coordinating Officer, Gary Stanley.

DUA is available for individuals who live or work in Butte, Corson, Custer, Dewey, Fall River, Haakon, Harding, Jackson, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Shannon and Ziebach counties as well as the Cheyenne River Reservation and the Pine Ridge Reservation.

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.

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Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline is Approaching – Aid may be available to producers who sustained losses in October Storm

DR-4086-NJ NR-241 Acquisition: Rebuilding Homes and Lives on Safer Ground

LINCROFT, N.J.– In New Jersey, Superstorm Sandy destroyed or damaged 40,500 primary residences. Two years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, FEMA granted nearly $152 million to New Jersey for housing assistance. After Hurricane Floyd, just over a decade before Irene, FEMA issued Disaster Housing Assistance Grants to more than l72,700 households.

New Jersey is no stranger to the loss of life and property caused by coastal storms, nor to the time, money and energy it takes to rebuild in the days and months that follow. Many residents of low-lying coastal regions have found their living situations unsustainable as storm after storm devastates houses, neighborhood and communities. But some communities have made a way out of the damage cycle with the use of acquisition or buyout grants.

One of New Jersey’s main priorities after major storm damage is to acquire land where repetitive flood loss is common and convert it to open space, thereby reducing the loss of life and property. This process is called acquisition.

FEMA, through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, has granted $55,249,816 to the state so far for the acquisition of properties in the aftermath of Sandy, and plans to award $100 million total.

Homeowners do not apply directly to FEMA for acquisition. Instead, the state and local communities work together to identify areas where buyouts make the most sense. Local officials then get input from the community and those homeowners with destroyed or severely damaged properties, as well as from the state and FEMA, to ensure that the acquisition applications are environmentally sound and cost-effective. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, instituted by FEMA, covers 75 percent of the costs, and 25 percent is matched by non-federal sources.

After the state, (the grantee) decides its priorities in terms of funds usage, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program Guidance allows the subgrantee to offer homeowners pre-disaster fair market value for their homes. Buyouts are always voluntary, and homeowners may opt out of participation.

All properties acquired by communities for mitigation are then converted to open land.

Acquisition Success Stories

More and more New Jersey communities are recognizing acquisition as a permanent solution to a recurring problem.

In 2005, two successive flooding disasters destroyed six homes in Harmony Township in Warren County. At the request of Harmony Township, Green Acres and FEMA provided funding for acquisition. Those six properties have been cleared to prevent further property damage and now provide access points to the Delaware River for visitors to the area.

Even without FEMA’s 75 percent cost share, state organizations like the Green Acres Program successfully convert properties throughout New Jersey into safe and accessible open areas, such as parks and wildlife habitats, which by law must remain open land forever through deed restriction.

Green Acres and the State Agriculture Development Committee converted 1,900 acres in central New Jersey using open space funds, creating a 512-acre State Wildlife Management Area, and a 500-acre addition to Monmouth County public greenways.

In Manchester Township, a joint acquisition effort coordinated between the Green Acres Program and the U.S. Navy added 246 acres to the Manchester Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County, which will also serve as a protective buffer for the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station.

Communities that opt into the acquisition process not only protect their citizenry, but also make it possible to create an even more beautiful New Jersey coast, with open space for community residents and visitors alike.

And for many New Jersey residents, buyout is the opportunity to at least partially recoup an investment in a property that has lost value after multiple storms. It also provides the possibility of safety, peace of mind and a new start.

Homeowners do not apply directly to FEMA to participate in the acquisition process. Instead, they can contact their local emergency management office to learn more about Hazard Mitigation programs available to their community.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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###

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

More: 

DR-4086-NJ NR-241 Acquisition: Rebuilding Homes and Lives on Safer Ground

Acquisition: Rebuilding Homes and Lives on Safer Ground

LINCROFT, N.J.– In New Jersey, Superstorm Sandy destroyed or damaged 40,500 primary residences. Two years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, FEMA granted nearly $152 million to New Jersey for housing assistance. After Hurricane Floyd, just over a decade before Irene, FEMA issued Disaster Housing Assistance Grants to more than l72,700 households.

New Jersey is no stranger to the loss of life and property caused by coastal storms, nor to the time, money and energy it takes to rebuild in the days and months that follow. Many residents of low-lying coastal regions have found their living situations unsustainable as storm after storm devastates houses, neighborhood and communities. But some communities have made a way out of the damage cycle with the use of acquisition or buyout grants.

One of New Jersey’s main priorities after major storm damage is to acquire land where repetitive flood loss is common and convert it to open space, thereby reducing the loss of life and property. This process is called acquisition.

FEMA, through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, has granted $55,249,816 to the state so far for the acquisition of properties in the aftermath of Sandy, and plans to award $100 million total.

Homeowners do not apply directly to FEMA for acquisition. Instead, the state and local communities work together to identify areas where buyouts make the most sense. Local officials then get input from the community and those homeowners with destroyed or severely damaged properties, as well as from the state and FEMA, to ensure that the acquisition applications are environmentally sound and cost-effective. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, instituted by FEMA, covers 75 percent of the costs, and 25 percent is matched by non-federal sources.

After the state, (the grantee) decides its priorities in terms of funds usage, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program Guidance allows the subgrantee to offer homeowners pre-disaster fair market value for their homes. Buyouts are always voluntary, and homeowners may opt out of participation.

All properties acquired by communities for mitigation are then converted to open land.

Acquisition Success Stories

More and more New Jersey communities are recognizing acquisition as a permanent solution to a recurring problem.

In 2005, two successive flooding disasters destroyed six homes in Harmony Township in Warren County. At the request of Harmony Township, Green Acres and FEMA provided funding for acquisition. Those six properties have been cleared to prevent further property damage and now provide access points to the Delaware River for visitors to the area.

Even without FEMA’s 75 percent cost share, state organizations like the Green Acres Program successfully convert properties throughout New Jersey into safe and accessible open areas, such as parks and wildlife habitats, which by law must remain open land forever through deed restriction.

Green Acres and the State Agriculture Development Committee converted 1,900 acres in central New Jersey using open space funds, creating a 512-acre State Wildlife Management Area, and a 500-acre addition to Monmouth County public greenways.

In Manchester Township, a joint acquisition effort coordinated between the Green Acres Program and the U.S. Navy added 246 acres to the Manchester Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County, which will also serve as a protective buffer for the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station.

Communities that opt into the acquisition process not only protect their citizenry, but also make it possible to create an even more beautiful New Jersey coast, with open space for community residents and visitors alike.

And for many New Jersey residents, buyout is the opportunity to at least partially recoup an investment in a property that has lost value after multiple storms. It also provides the possibility of safety, peace of mind and a new start.

Homeowners do not apply directly to FEMA to participate in the acquisition process. Instead, they can contact their local emergency management office to learn more about Hazard Mitigation programs available to their community.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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###

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

Link:  

Acquisition: Rebuilding Homes and Lives on Safer Ground

El Centro de Recuperación por Desastres del condado de Larimer cerrará sus puertas

DENVER – El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) del condado de Larimer cerrará permanentemente a las 3 p.m., hora de la Montaña, el miércoles 27 de noviembre.

CONDADO DE LARIMER 

Rocky Mountain Center for Innovation and Technology

815 14th St. SW.

Loveland, CO 80537

Los DRC son operados por la Oficina de Colorado de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) en asocio con la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa de EE.UU. (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés), los gobiernos locales y de los condados.

Para encontrar el DRC más cercano a usted visite el sitio fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers

Los sobrevivientes con pérdidas por las tormentas, inundaciones, derrumbes y deslizamientos ahorrarán tiempo al inscribirse para recibir ayuda con FEMA antes de ir a los DRC.

Inscríbase con FEMA por teléfono, 800-621-3362, de 5 a.m. a 8 p.m., hora de la Montaña, los siete días de la semana.  Hay operadores multilingües disponibles en la línea de ayuda de FEMA. Escoja la opción 2 para español y la opción 3 para otros idiomas. Las personas que tengan problemas auditivos, sean sordas o que tengan una discapacidad del habla pueden llamar al (TTY) 800-462-7585; si usa el 711 o el Servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), llame al 800-621-3362.

Inscríbase en línea en:  DisasterAssistance.gov o mediante un dispositivo habilitado para navegar en la red, una tableta o un teléfono inteligente: escriba m.fema.gov en el navegador.

Link: 

El Centro de Recuperación por Desastres del condado de Larimer cerrará sus puertas

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Preparedness

LINCROFT, N.J.– The heavy demands of the holiday season can be a busy time for all. Managing family obligations and handling seasonal preparations alongside regular day-to-day activities can make disaster preparedness less of a priority. In fact, the onset of winter is a critical time for safety preparation, and several items that are critical in emergencies also make good holiday gifts.

A weather radio is a recommended purchase, preferably one developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Consumer Electronics Association. These radios broadcast National Weather Service forecasts and severe weather warnings 24 hours a day on the NOAA’s radio network. They cost between $20 and $200. Portable and handheld radios generally cost less than desktop models. FEMA recommends that the radio has an alarm, can run on batteries, solar power or a hand crank, and has an external or wireless output for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, allowing connection to an alarm or other attention-getting device, such as a personal computer or text printer. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr for more information and to find a list of frequencies used for weather alerts.

A solar charging unit for charging and powering electronic devices is also recommended. These range in size from pocket-sized units to fold-out panel arrays and are powered by the sun, making them useful on clear days when electricity is unavailable. Prices start at less than $10 and can exceed $200.

A regular car charger can serve the same purpose. Pricing for these is more closely tied to size, starting at $3 and going up to $70 for multiple-device units. For any charger, make sure that it is properly adapted for the devices you will be using. Cell phones, tablets, cameras and computers have different connection points to external power supplies. More than one unit may be necessary.

Generators can serve as backup power sources in emergencies. A generator that produces a minimum of 4,000-5,000 watts of power is recommended. Contact an electrician to find out how much power your home needs. Generators in the 5,000-8,000 watt range can cost as little as $600 and as much as $4,000, and some may require additional accessories which will cost extra. Portable generators cost less than stationary standby models.

To cook food or heat water, pick up a camping stove. These outdoor-only stoves use propane, butane or other solid fuels. Butane- and cartridge-fueled stoves are less expensive ($10 to $50) than their propane-powered counterparts, but they usually only have one burner and those fuels are less effective in cold weather. Dual-burner stoves are more likely to run on propane and cost between $30 and $100. Single-burner propane stoves range from $20 to $60. You’ll also want to have enough fuel on hand for your stove. Small propane tanks cost between $3 and $6, packs of butane cans cost between $6 and $12 depending on the size of the pack, and solid fuel cartridge packs cost between $8 and $20.

Tea kettles are better for boiling water than pots or pans because they are enclosed and the metal interiors allow for more even heating. Most kettles suited for outdoor use are made of stainless steel, enamel or aluminum. These range in price from $15 to $75.

Ready-made first-aid kits can be purchased for use in the home or car. The Red Cross sells its own at www.redcrossstore.org and many retail stores also carry them. A pre-assembled kit with enough supplies for a family costs less than $40. Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for lists of recommended safety kit items.

If you need both hands free to work, search or dig in darkness, consider a head lamp. Most head lamps are mounted on an elastic strap that can be wrapped around a hat or worn directly on the wearer’s head. A consumer-grade lamp can be purchased for less than $100.

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.

Follow this link: 

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Preparedness

FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Hurricane Sandy struck New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, the devastation caused by the storm surge and high winds affected public buildings, utilities and infrastructure statewide.

Thirteen months later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has dispersed more than $1 billion in Public Assistance funds to communities affected by the storm.

This is part of a total of $5.7 billion in disaster assistance, which also includes more than $3.5 billion in flood insurance claim payments, $897 million in Individual Assistance and $834 million in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA grants state governments the funds to reimburse municipalities, county governments and eligible private nonprofit agencies for the repair or replacement of damaged roads and bridges, water-control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities, and parks and recreation areas. It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster. FEMA reimbursed these applicants 90 percent of the eligible cost.

As of Nov. 25, 2013, 4,417 projects have been obligated by FEMA. Public Assistance anticipates 5,096 Sandy-related projects will eventually be funded.

Included in the $1 billion total are:

  • More than $77.1 million in Ocean County for countywide debris removal.
  • $18.6 million to repair and rebuild educational facilities statewide.
  • $14.6 million for repairs to piers, boardwalks, the marina and recreational areas at Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park in Elizabeth.
  • Nearly $13 million to the New Jersey State Police for emergency protective measures on the barrier islands as the storm hit.

For more information on New Jersey’s Sandy recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4086, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Illinois Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Illinois.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.  Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.  Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.   (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
  • Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.  (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
  • Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.  Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses.  Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance.  (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact.  This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence.  (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
  • Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Affected individuals and business owners in designated areas can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

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 http://blog.fema.gov, 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.

Original article – 

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Illinois Disaster Recovery

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