Two Weeks Left To Return SBA Disaster Loan Application, Register For Assistance

NEW YORK — Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey have less than two weeks to register for disaster assistance and to return their applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is filling out an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Ways to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov
Call the 24-hour numbers 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
For 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) call 800-621-3362
A FEMA Language Assistance Line is available for those who need interpretation services in languages other than English or Spanish. Call: 866-333-1796.

Survivors must register or return the loan application by the deadline in their state.

Deadline for New York: Monday, Jan. 28, by midnight EST. Counties in NEW YORK designated for individual assistance include: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Deadline for New Jersey: Wednesday, Jan. 30, by midnight EST. ALL counties in NEW JERSEY are designated for individual assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. In most cases, FEMA funds will not cover all of the repair needs of homeowners. Money for a temporary rental home is the form of help FEMA largely provides so obtaining a low-interest SBA disaster loan is a survivor’s best option for repairing their home and replacing property.

People can apply to SBA before settling with their insurance company – so there’s no need to wait. Applying by the deadline can avoid a shortfall in rebuilding money if survivors later discover they are underinsured.

By returning the SBA loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances.

There is no obligation to accept an SBA disaster home loan and homeowners and renters may become eligible for additional FEMA grants if they are not approved for a loan.

For businesses and private nonprofit organizations, the SBA may loan up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

For additional information on SBA, contact the customer service center by calling 800-659-2955

(for people who are deaf or hard of hearing TTY 800-877-8339), emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA may be able to help with disaster-related costs that are not covered by insurance. Survivors in designated counties are encouraged to apply for possible grant assistance for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. People who have sustained a loss due to Hurricane Sandy should register even if they have insurance.

Affected survivors may visit a disaster recovery center for more information about FEMA and SBA assistance. For nearby locations, visit www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

For more information on Hurricane Sandy recovery, visit:

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Two Weeks Left To Return SBA Disaster Loan Application, Register For Assistance

FEMA Rental Assistance May be Used for Security Deposits

NEW YORK – As the Jan. 28, 2013 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure Hurricane Sandy survivors know that they may be able to use Temporary Rental Assistance funds to help pay for a security deposit.

If a landlord requires a security deposit, you can use up to one month of FEMA rent money to cover it and you will not have to return it at the end of the lease. If you already paid a security deposit with your own money, FEMA will not reimburse it. However, if you need more help with rent, you can show the security deposit receipt to support your request for additional assistance.

To receive additional temporary rental assistance, you must complete the Continuing Need form with a copy of the lease and all receipts for rent and security deposits, and mail it to the address printed on the form. If you don’t have the form, contact FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Families in hotel or motel rooms who are preparing to move into an apartment may use FEMA rent money for security deposits and rent. This money may not be used to pay for telephone or television service or utilities.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until midnight EST on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Individuals also can find a disaster recovery center – and register with FEMA – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362.

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

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FEMA Rental Assistance May be Used for Security Deposits

FEMA Approves More than $1 Million to Help with Storm Recovery

CHARLESTON, W.Va – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has dispersed more than $1 million in Public Assistance to help state and local governments pay for expenses incurred as a result of October’s Hurricane Sandy massive debris cleanup, infrastructure repair and emergency protective measures.

Gary Brand, FEMA’s Public Assistance Branch Chief in Charleston, said, “This is the largest debris mission in the history of West Virginia. More than 1.5 million cubic yards of woody debris were scattered over the 18 declared counties. FEMA dollar totals for the Hurricane Sandy public assistance cleanup and infrastructure repair in West Virginia may top $11 million.”

Under the Hurricane Sandy federal disaster declaration signed by President Obama on Nov. 27, 18 West Virginia counties became eligible for Public Assistance. To date, FEMA has approved more than 35 projects submitted by local governments.

The 18 WV counties eligible for FEMA Public Assistance aid are Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lewis, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Raleigh, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur, Webster and Wyoming.

FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont noted that funding for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is not solely through FEMA.

“Public Assistance dollars come to the community through a cost share agreement between FEMA and the State. FEMA pays 75% and the State 25%,” said Diemont.

State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato, said, “We are working closely with FEMA as well as cities and counties in the damaged areas to make certain debris from Hurricane Sandy is removed in a timely manner and infrastructure repairs are completed on time.”

Jan. 26 is the deadline for State and local governments to apply for reimbursements for recovery and cleanup costs incurred after Hurricane Sandy and for aid to repair or replace public buildings and infrastructure damaged by the windstorm.

In addition to debris removal and emergency protective measures, Public Assistance funds may be used for such projects as:

Repair of roads and bridges

Repair or replacement of buildings, including their contents and the repair or replacement of heavy equipment and vehicles
Repair and restoration of recreational facilities such as parks, playgrounds and pools.

Public Assistance funds are also available to private non-profit organizations such as volunteer fire departments.

# # #

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.

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FEMA Approves More than $1 Million to Help with Storm Recovery

Fight Disaster-related Fraud by Insisting on Seeing Identification

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors beware: There may be con artists trying to get their hands on your disaster assistance money or personal financial information.

After a disaster, crooks may pretend to be employed by FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration. They may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or they may promise to increase your disaster assistance grant for a fee, something a federal employee would never do.

Some consumer safety tips to remember:

There is never a fee to apply for FEMA assistance or to receive it;
There are no fees for FEMA or SBA property damage inspections; and
Government workers never ask for payment to perform their duties.

Asking to see identification is a disaster survivor’s best defense against such criminals and scam artists. All authorized federal personnel are required to wear photo IDs at all times. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of affiliation with these agencies.

All government- or contractor-issued ID badges should be produced by the bearer without hesitation or reluctance. A FEMA contract inspector who comes to your home will be able to provide your FEMA registration number.

If private insurance adjusters and local building code inspectors visit your property, they should also be able to provide identification on demand.

Anyone suspecting fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local authorities or the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at www.ct.gov/dcp or by calling 800-842-2649 (in the Hartford area, call 860-713-6110).

Contractor fraud can also be a problem after a disaster. Remember these tips before signing a home repair contract:

Get three written estimates; then check each contractor’s credentials and references. Contact the Better Business Bureau or local chamber of commerce to see if there are outstanding complaints against the contractor;
Obtain a written contract detailing all work to be performed, costs, a projected completion date, and procedures to negotiate changes and settle disputes;
Any guarantees should be in writing.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers 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.

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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Fight Disaster-related Fraud by Insisting on Seeing Identification

Respostas para as perguntas mais frequentes sobre ajuda em desastres

News Releases – Monday, January 14, 2013

Main Content

January 14, 2013

Disaster Recovery Centers in Somerset County to Close, But Assistance Is Still Available

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – The Disaster Recovery Center operating in Crisfield will close at 5 p.m. Friday, January 18. Those affected by the disaster that still have questions about assistance or low-…

Maryland

January 14, 2013

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions

NEW YORK – As the Jan. 28, 2012 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure survivors have all the information they need about disaster aid….

New York

January 14, 2013

For Rapid Response To Disaster Loan Application, Apply Online

TRENTON, N.J. — The quickest way to get a Small Business Administration disaster loan approved is filling out an online application. The online application is the most user-friendly way for…

New Jersey

January 14, 2013

Disaster Recovery Centers in NY Suspend Service Jan. 21 for MLK Holiday

NEW YORK – Disaster Recovery Centers in New York will suspend service Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The centers will resume providing assistance to…

New York

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Respostas para as perguntas mais frequentes sobre ajuda em desastres

Centros de Recuperação de Desastres em NY suspendem o serviço em 21 de janeiro devido ao feriado de Martin Luther King Jr.

NOVA YORK – Os Centros de Recuperação de Desastres em Nova York suspenderão o serviço na segunda-feira, 21 de janeiro de 2013, em respeito ao feriado de Martin Luther King Jr. Os centros voltarão a fornecer assistência aos sobreviventes do Furacão Sandy na terça-feira, 22 de janeiro de de 2013

Para encontrar o centro mais próximo, as seguintes opções estão disponíveis: Envie uma mensagem de texto para 43362 (4FEMA), digitando DRC e um código de endereçamento postal (Zip Code), e uma mensagem de texto lhe será enviada de volta com o endereço. Também, o localizador de Centros de Recuperação de Desastres está disponível online em www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Pode ser obtido auxílio em diversos idiomas, que não sejam inglês e espanhol, telefonando-se para o número de discagem gratuita da Linha de Assistência a Idiomas Estrangeiros da FEMA em 866-333-1796. As linhas estão abertas 24 horas por dia, sete dias por semana, até segunda ordem. A assistência é oferecida na maioria dos idiomas para ajudá-lo(a) com interpretação, registro e dúvidas relacionadas à sua assistência pelo desastre

As pessoas também podem encontrar um centro de recuperação e fazer o registro para receber ajuda da FEMA online no site www.DisasterAssistance.gov ou pelo smartphone ou tablet acessando m.fema.gov ou baixando o aplicativo da FEMA. As pessoas com deficiências auditivas ou de fala podem ligar para 800-621-3362 ou (TTY) 800-462-7585. As pessoas que usam 711-Relay ou Video Relay Services (VRS) devem ligar para 800-621-3362.

Os sobreviventes do furacão Sandy em Nova York têm até 28 de janeiro de 2013 para se registrarem para assistência federal relativa ao desastre, que pode incluir dinheiro para aluguel, reparos essenciais à moradia, perda de bens pessoais e outras sérias necessidades relacionadas ao desastre não cobertas pelo seguro.

Para obter mais informações sobre o Furacão Sandy em Nova York, visite www.fema.gov/sandy-portugues.

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Centros de Recuperação de Desastres em NY suspendem o serviço em 21 de janeiro devido ao feriado de Martin Luther King Jr.

FEMA Estende Programa de Assistência de Acomodação Temporária em NY por mais 14 dias

Nova York – A Agência Federal de Gerenciamento de Emergências, a pedido do estado de Nova York, aprovou a extensão uma extensão de 14 dias para o programa de Assistência de Acomodação Temporária, que permite que os sobreviventes elegíveis do furacão Sandy que não podem voltar para suas residências permaneçam utilizando hotéis ou motéis.

A nova extensão permitirá que os cadastrados permaneçam em hotéis participantes até 27 de janeiro de 2013. A FEMA chamará os candidatos elegíveis para a extensão para notificá-los de que a data de saída foi estendida para 27 de janeiro.

“O programa de Assistência de Acomodação Temporária é uma solução temporária para pessoas que precisam de um lugar para ficar enquanto continuamos trabalhando com nossos parceiros estaduais e locais para ajudar a levar as pessoas de volta à habitação de longo prazo”, disse o Diretor Federal de Coordenação da FEMA Michael F. Byrne. “Essa é a nossa prioridade número um”.

“Em nome do governador Cuomo, agradeço à FEMA pela aprovação de pedido do Estado solicitando estender o programa de Assistência de Acomodação Temporária”, disse Jerome M. Hauer, Comissário da Divisão de Segurança Interna e Serviços de Emergência de NYS. “A extensão deste importante programa fornece a assistência necessária para os afetados pelo furacão Sandy enquanto continuam recuperando e reconstruindo”.

Este é um programa de curto prazo que coloca as famílias em hotéis enquanto de transferem para habitações de longo prazo.

Para ser elegível para o TSA, os sobreviventes devem primeiramente solicitar apoio federal através da FEMA via:

Candidatura online em www.DisasterAssistance.gov;
Candidatura por smartphone ou tablet usando o aplicativo FEMA ou visitando m.fema.gov; ou
Cadastre-se ligando para 800-621-FEMA(3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). Para 711 ou Serviço de Retransmissão por Vídeo (Video Relay Service – VRS), ligue para 800-621-3362.
Ajuda em vários idiomas pode ser obtida para outros idiomas além do Inglês e Espanhol ao ligar gratuitamente para a Linha de Assistência de Idiomas da FEMA, 866-333-1796. As linhas funcionam 24 horas por dia, sete dias por semana, até novo aviso. A assistência é oferecida na maioria dos idiomas para ajudá-lo na interpretação, cadastramento e perguntas sobre sua assistência a desastres.

Para obter mais informações sobre recuperação de desastres de Nova York, visite www.fema.gov/sandy-portugues.

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FEMA Estende Programa de Assistência de Acomodação Temporária em NY por mais 14 dias

SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens In Crisfield

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – A U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center is to open January 22, at the Lower Somerset County Fire & Rescue building in Crisfield.

#2 Mill Lane	Hours
Crisfield, MD 21817	8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
	Open Jan. 22 –Jan 25 and Jan 28

Staff is available at the center to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, help individuals complete their applications, and close approved disaster loans. No appointment is necessary to speak with a representative. Marylanders can also file an SBA application online at www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

“At this stage of the recovery process, the emphasis for assistance shifts to meeting the long-term needs of Marylanders who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director, Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “We believe this SBA center meets the current needs of Somerset County residents and businesses.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to cover the uncompensated losses for personal contents up to $40,000 for both homeowners and renters and up to $200,000 for homeowners for physical damage to their primary residence.

The SBA also provides low-interest loans up to $2 million for uncompensated physical losses suffered by businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations. Additionally, working capital loans, or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), are available for small businesses in the designated and adjoining counties. The combination of the two business loans cannot exceed $2 million.

“SBA loans are the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster damaged property,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Lapinski. “Returning a complete SBA loan application is a significant step in the recovery process.”

For information about SBA programs or to find a location nearby, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), or visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Individuals may also contact SBA by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is February 12, 2013. The EIDL deadline is September 16, 2013

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SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens In Crisfield

FEMA Outreach to Help Agents Answer Flood Insurance Questions

WINDSOR, Conn. — How can flood insurance agents become better prepared to answer the many questions policyholders ask after a big flooding disaster like Hurricane Sandy?

That dialogue is taking place between FEMA and Connecticut insurance agents as a new outreach effort begun in December continues to expand the knowledge of agents who sell National Flood Insurance Program policies.

During the peak outreach from Jan. 14 – 25, FEMA will provide insurance agents with more in-depth training on National Flood Insurance Program policies, processes and risk management. The initiative will help insurance agents better serve Connecticut policyholders, property owners and renters who have questions about their flood insurance claims.

“It is important that consumers have all the facts about flood insurance so they can make informed decisions to manage risk and take control of their financial security. And it all starts with informed and knowledgeable insurance agents,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis.

FEMA flood insurance specialists expect to make in-person visits to more than 500 insurance agencies statewide during the two-week outreach initiative. They will hand-deliver hundreds of “NFIP Agent Tool Kits,” which include several information brochures and explanatory bulletins.

FEMA has made it a priority to conduct insurance agency visits in all the Connecticut coastal communities hit by Hurricane Sandy. As of Jan. 7, FEMA personnel have visited 69 agencies in 21 hard-hit communities. During this time FEMA will also be offering special NFIP informational webinars and agent training workshops.

The NFIP is a federal program that provides access to affordable, federally backed flood insurance protection for property owners.

Following Hurricane Sandy last year, FEMA kicked off a flood insurance education initiative in partnership with the state of Connecticut and the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut, Inc.

In December, FEMA opened a Flood Response Office at 1064 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450.

The office provides support to insurance agents and policyholders with questions about NFIP claims. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The office can be reached at 203-634-1118.

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a Consumer Helpline at 860-297-3900 or 800-203-3447. Policyholders can also e-mail their questions or complaints to the Insurance Department at cid.ca@ct.gov or visit the Department’s Web site at www.ct.gov/cid.

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FEMA Outreach to Help Agents Answer Flood Insurance Questions

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions

NEW YORK – As the Jan. 28, 2012 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure survivors have all the information they need about disaster aid.

New York’s Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Sandy, Michael Byrne, hosted the first of a series of ‘live’ chats on Twitter this week to address questions and concerns about disaster assistance, tweeting about FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and housing repair grants in the one-hour session. He will be doing additional chat sessions in the coming weeks. Keep following @FEMASandy for the latest information on the next chat.

Following are some of the most commonly asked disaster aid questions, (in more than 140 characters). For additional Q&As, go to www.fema.gov/SandyNY.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

I submitted my papers for disaster assistance but have not heard anything, how long does it take to hear back?

If you submitted an application for assistance due to damage to your home, a FEMA-contracted inspector should contact you to schedule an appointment within 10 days of registering. If you are seeking other forms of assistance, and you have completed and mailed in your SBA disaster loan application, you should receive an eligibility letter within 10 days of returning your paperwork. If 10 days have passed and you haven’t heard from us, call the FEMA toll-free Helpline 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585.)

If you were asked to provide additional documentation and did so and have not heard back, call the helpline as well.

How can I extend my FEMA rental assistance?

To receive additional temporary rental assistance, you must complete the Continuing Need form with all the applicable information and mail it back to us at the address printed on the form. If you don’t have the form, contact FEMA’s toll-free Helpline.

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions – Page 2

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

What should I do if I’m still waiting on my flood insurance settlement?

Contact your claims adjuster or carrier to see if you may be eligible for an expedited flood insurance payment to cover repairs of your home’s mechanicals damaged in the disaster. You

can call the NFIP Help Center 800-427-4661 to address questions about your flood insurance claim or payment.

Why am I required to build above the minimum elevation requirement?

Each community develops their own local building requirements. You should contact your community’s floodplain manager to discuss elevation requirements for your property. Elevation requirements are meant to protect your home from future flood damages. In general, if your home is located in a high-risk area, the higher you build above the base flood elevation, the lower your premium and potential for flood damage.

To find out how you need to build contact your community’s floodplain manager who can help you walk through the elevation requirements for your property. His/her contact information is usually available on your city government web site.

MITIGATION: REBUILDING BETTER AND STRONGER

Is there money available to elevate/mitigate my home?

There may be assistance available to help you mitigate your home.

If you applied for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan and it was approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements – such as elevating your home – to protect your property against future damage. Contact SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.
If you already had a flood insurance policy before the storm, and your home was substantially damaged, you may be eligible to receive up to $30,000 in increased cost of compliance coverage to elevate your home after you file your claim. Talk to your insurance agent to determine if you’re eligible.
FEMA provides hazard mitigation grants to states for activities such as structure elevation, property acquisition, and flood proofing. The state determines which activities will be funded with hazard mitigation grants. To learn more about these grants, visit www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance or contact your local floodplain manager for more details.

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

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Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions

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