Joint FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Three Days in Beaufort County

RALEIGH, N.C. – FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management are establishing Disaster Recovery Centers in disaster-affected counties to reach residents of North Carolina who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew. The Beaufort County FEMA/State DRC is open to provide a place where you can apply for disaster assistance and get information about available state and federal assistance and other recovery information. The center is in Washington for three days: Tuesday, Nov. 8, Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov 10.

Location:                               Beaufort County Health Department

1436 Highland Drive

Washington, NC  27889

 Hours of Operation:            Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, NCEM and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to speak with you face-to-face to answer questions you may have regarding the disaster assistance process, other assistance available and even help you register if you haven’t already. If you have registered, they can provide you with an update of your application status and if needed, discuss the appeal process.

To locate the center nearest to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA or Readync mobile apps. If you have access to a computer, you can go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or ncdps.gov.

 In addition to visiting a DRC, you may register in any one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

If you require reasonable accommodations such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center, you may call the FEMA Helpline for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.  Help is available in many languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare or other federal benefits.

Register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if you are underinsured, you may receive help after your claims have been settled.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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 FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Joint FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Three Days in Beaufort County

Do Not Let Misinformation Keep You from Registering for Disaster Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. — Thousands of North Carolinians registered for disaster assistance since Hurricane Matthew struck the state Oct. 4, and thousands more may still be eligible.

Some survivors don’t register for assistance for a variety reasons, including misunderstandings, rumors and misconceptions and therefore miss out on financial and other disaster assistance. 

If you haven’t yet registered and are a homeowner, renter or business owner with disaster-related damage in a designated county, do not let misinformation keep you from registering. Do it now before it’s too late.

FEMA and the State works closely with other state and federal partners, the private sector, faith-based and voluntary agencies to help match survivors with avenues of assistance. No one is denied disaster assistance because of someone else’s need and most programs are not dependent on income.

Two common misconceptions regarding registering with FEMA are:

  1. Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations registers you for FEMA disaster assistance.  It does not.
  2. Having FEMA flood insurance registers you for disaster assistance. It does not. It also does not disqualify you from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately and you may find that you had uninsured losses.

If you haven’t registered because English is not your first language, don’t let that stop you.  If you or someone you know needs language assistance, FEMA has interpreters who speak many languages. Translators are available and can help you in the registration process.

Also know that you may apply if you are a non-citizen national with a Social Security number or a qualified alien who holds permanent residency, refugee, or asylum status. If you are the parent of a U.S. citizen in your household, you may apply for federal disaster assistance on behalf of your child.

If you are a renter and haven’t registered, know that you too may be eligible for federal disaster assistance and referrals to state agencies that may be able to help.

As an applicant, your information is confidential. FEMA does not share your information with other agencies unless you want us to do so.

FEMA, NCEM and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer a variety of programs to help in your recovery. FEMA assistance will not affect your government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and you will not pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in your Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

The following are commonly asked questions and responses with accurate information about federal and state disaster programs and services:

  • I have insurance. Am I still eligible for help? Possibly. FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, but you may be eligible for help with losses not covered or with damage in excess of your coverage.
  • I am waiting for my insurance adjuster. Can I still apply for disaster assistance? Yes. Don’t wait for an adjuster before applying for aid or making necessary repairs to make your house livable, but do check with your local building officials for permitting, right of entrance or any other local issues before starting, and be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work because you may qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by insurance. And, you will want to keep FEMA informed of your settlement status and provide any updated insurance documentation, including a settlement if you received it.
  • I received help from the Red Cross and other organizations immediately after the disaster. Can I still get help from FEMA or the state? Yes.
  • If I gave information to my emergency manager, called 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross, must I still register with FEMA? Yes. To be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply with FEMA. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, you would call 800-462-7585. You also can download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.
  • I don’t own a business. Why should I apply for a loan from the SBA? Next to insurance, SBA is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs. Returning the completed application also may enable you to qualify for additional FEMA disaster recovery assistance programs for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. If SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be considered for assistance from other organizations. There is no requirement to take out a loan if one is offered from SBA.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency. You also can personally visit one of the many Disaster Recovery Centers.  To locate a DRC nearest you, can call the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362, for TTY it is 800-462-7585, download the FEMA mobile app or go online to Fema.gov/drc or NCDPS.gov.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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 FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Do Not Let Misinformation Keep You from Registering for Disaster Assistance

Joint FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Pasquotank County Monday, Nov. 7.

RALEIGH, N.C. –A joint FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Center opens in Pasquotank County to help reach North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew. The center provides a place where you can get information about available state and federal disaster assistance and other disaster recovery information and referrals. The center is in Elizabeth City Monday, Nov.7, Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Location:                             Pasquotank County Cooperative Extension Center

 1209 McPherson

 Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Hours of Operation:         Monday through Wednesday  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, NCEM and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to speak with you face-to-face to answer questions you may have regarding the disaster assistance process, other assistance available and even help you register if you haven’t already. If you have registered, they can provide you with an update of your application status and if needed, discuss the appeal process.

FEMA and the state have recovery centers open throughout the disaster-affected counties in North Carolina. To locate the center nearest to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA or Readync mobile apps. If you have access to a computer, you can go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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 FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Joint FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Pasquotank County Monday, Nov. 7.

Latta DRC Opens

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, Nov. 7) – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens in Dillon County on Tuesday at 9 a.m. It will be open weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays until further notice.

Located at the Latimer Elementary School, 134 Latimer St., Latta, SC 29565, the DRC is staffed by representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration and representatives from various state agency and voluntary organizations. Survivors of the storms and floods that came with Hurricane Matthew can expect information on federal disaster assistance programs, guidance on disaster recovery, an explanation of written FEMA correspondence, and help with other disaster-related questions.

FEMA mitigation specialists are available at DRCs to provide literature to survivors on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to make homes more flood resistant. For more specific NFIP questions, you can call the NFIP Support Call Center by dialing 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and pressing 2.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation. Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

If possible, you should register with FEMA before visiting the DRC.  You can register online at  DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

You can find the locations of other DRCs online at DisasterAssistance.gov, at “Quick Links.”

After registering with FEMA, survivors may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers such loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.  SBA loans are for uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. SBA advises it is not necessary to wait for an insurance settlement before submitting the loan application.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can  receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

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/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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

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Latta DRC Opens

Second Berkeley DRC Opens

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, Nov. 7) – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens in Dillon County on Tuesday at 9 a.m.  It will be open weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays until further notice.

Located at the Latimer Elementary School, 134 Latimer St., Latta, SC 29565, the DRC is staffed by representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration and representatives from various state agency and voluntary organizations. Survivors of the storms and floods that came with Hurricane Matthew can expect information on federal disaster assistance programs, guidance on disaster recovery, an explanation of written FEMA correspondence, and help with other disaster-related questions.

FEMA mitigation specialists are available at DRCs to provide literature to survivors on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to make homes more flood resistant. For more specific NFIP questions, you can call the NFIP Support Call Center by dialing 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and pressing 2.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation. Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

If possible, you should register with FEMA before visiting the DRC.  You can register online at  DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

You can find the locations of other DRCs online at DisasterAssistance.gov, at “Quick Links.”

After registering with FEMA, survivors may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers such loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.  SBA loans are for uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. SBA advises it is not necessary to wait for an insurance settlement before submitting the loan application.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can  receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

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/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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.

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Second Berkeley DRC Opens

Rumor Control: FEMA disaster assistance concerns answered

To avoid misinformation circulating on social networks regarding the recovery effort for Hurricane Matthew in Virginia always ask for clarification from official sources. Rumors spread fast: please tell a friend, visit our rumor control page often and help us provide accurate information about the types of assistance available.

Check here often for an ongoing list of rumors and their true or false status.

RUMOR:  FEMA doesn’t pay survivors enough.

FACT:  FEMA grants are not the same as insurance. They are not intended to ‘make you whole.’ FEMA grants help eligible survivors with a start to get their lives back on track. They help with some basic disaster-related costs. They are usually not enough to get a household back to how it was before the disaster. FEMA looks at each case individually.

RUMOR:  I already cleaned up and repaired the damage to my home. I heard it’s too late to get help from FEMA.

FACT:  You may be eligible for FEMA assistance even if you’ve already repaired the damage. It will help if you have “before” photos and receipts for your repair expenses. Register with FEMA to find out more. You may be eligible for a grant for repair assistance that will help cover your costs. The deadline to register for FEMA registration is January 2, 2017.

RUMOR: FEMA assistance has to be repaid.

FACT:  FEMA assistance is a grant, not a loan. Grants do not have to be repaid. Some homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations may take out disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA loans have to be repaid but are at a lower interest rate than usual. Again, FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. In addition, FEMA grants are not taxable and do not affect your eligibility for other federal benefit programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

RUMOR:  If there are other family members or roommates living with me, FEMA isn’t going to give them any help.

FACT:  FEMA is committed to giving each individual survivor all the help he or she is eligible for. FEMA evaluates the needs of all eligible survivors on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to tell FEMA about the needs of all members of your household whether they are related to one another or not. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-321-3362 if you need to update your registration or have questions about the needs of any members of your household. 

RUMOR: There is no easy way to get true, reliable information about FEMA’s disaster assistance programs.
FACT: Straight answers and plain facts are available from the disaster assistance program experts on FEMA’s Help Line. Call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 to learn about disaster assistance programs. Toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT daily. Multilingual operators are available. Survivors can also go to their nearest Disaster Recovery Center to get questions answered. Trust information only from official sources.

RUMOR: If survivors receive FEMA assistance, it could reduce their Social Security benefits.
FACT: No. Disaster assistance does not count as income. FEMA assistance will not affect Social Security, Medicare, or other federal and state benefits, and it is not counted as income for tax purposes.

RUMOR: If you receive money from FEMA you have to pay it back.

FACT: FEMA grants do not have to be repaid.

RUMOR: Receiving a letter from FEMA stating the applicant is not eligible means the person will not get any assistance.

FACT: Not necessarily. Receiving such a letter does not always mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster aid, even when the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete.” Such a letter can simply be an indication that further information is needed, or that the applicant’s insurance claim needs to be settled before disaster aid can be granted. Call the FEMA help line, 800-621-3362, or visit your nearest Disaster Recovery Center with questions.

RUMOR: If you take FEMA assistance, they take your property.
FACT: Not true. FEMA has no authority to take property of any kind from anyone.

For more information on Recovery Efforts visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4291 and www.vaemergency.gov

 

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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.

 

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

 

 

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Rumor Control: FEMA disaster assistance concerns answered

Matthew, Hermine Survivors: FEMA Assistance Helps Bridge the Gap

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida hurricane survivors may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help supplement insurance claims or fill unmet needs.

The FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct assistance in the form of grants for both homeowners and renters. The maximum amount of assistance provided by these grants is limited, and is not intended to restore your home to pre-storm condition. These funds can be used to pay for temporary housing or emergency home repairs to make sure your residence is safe and sanitary.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

By law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate assistance received from an insurance settlement. Secondary homes or rental properties are ineligible for this program. Federal guidelines only allow housing assistance to be used on primary residences affected by disaster.              

Before starting repairs or rebuilding a home, it is important to contact your local building code official or floodplain manager. Visit floridadisaster.org/Mitigation/index.htm for free information on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Renters and homeowners with insurance should contact their insurance agent right away to file a claim. Insurance is the main source of recovery funding for disaster related losses, but if insurance does not cover all expenses, disaster programs may be able to help.

If a decision on your insurance settlement is delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed a claim, you will need to write a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. Include:

  • Proof from the insurance company that you filed the claim;

  • The claim number;

  • Date you filed your claim;

  • An estimate of how long it will take to receive your settlement.

While waiting for a settlement decision, any help awarded by FEMA would be considered an advance and must be repaid once an insurance settlement is received. 

Even if you are insured you should apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. Survivors in the designated counties may register for assistance the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • Phone 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

  • At a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the nearest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

For more help understanding FEMA’s disaster assistance program download the free guide Help After a Disaster at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

See more here – 

Matthew, Hermine Survivors: FEMA Assistance Helps Bridge the Gap

Get help with disaster info; Visit Virginia Beach, Chesapeake DRCs

 RICHMOND, Va.—Survivors who suffered damages in Hurricane Matthew are urged to visit one of the two newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to register, get recovery assistance, and get their questions answered.

 

Both centers, one in Virginia Beach and one in Chesapeake, opened at noon today, Monday, November 7, 2016. Additional DRCs in Newport News and Norfolk will be opening soon. Survivors may visit any DRC.

 

The Virginia Beach DRC is located in the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, near the Cafe. The Chesapeake location is co-located with the City’s local DRC in the Chesapeake Department of Human Services building.

 

Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday until further notice. 

 

The addresses are:

 

Virginia Beach:

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

4100 Virginia Beach Blvd

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Enter main door, turn right, near Cafe

 

Chesapeake:

Chesapeake Department of Human Services

City of Chesapeake

100 Outlaw St.

Chesapeake, VA 23320

Enter main door, turn right

 

DRCs are operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).

 

You don’t need to visit a DRC to register for Federal assistance, survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The telephone lines are staffed daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT until further notice. Help is available in almost any language.

 

Staff at the recovery centers can check individuals’ cases, answer questions about claims, or review information needed to process their claims.  Specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and VDEM staff will be at each location.

 

To find out more about how a DRC operates, go to: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers

 

Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov and www.vaemergency.gov.

 

 

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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.

 

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

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Get help with disaster info; Visit Virginia Beach, Chesapeake DRCs

SBA Loans Valuable for Recovery from Disaster

BATON ROUGE, La. — Submit your U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan application now to prevent missing out on potential funding for your recovery.

An SBA loan can help repair flood-related damage to your home or business and replace personal property. SBA representatives provide one-on-one assistance through the entire disaster loan process to assist in your recovery.

Landlords and most private non-profits, including churches, are eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans. State and federal recovery officials encourage them to apply.

A loan offer provides the financial resources to pay for repairs if the SBA approves your application. You are under no obligation to accept the loan if approved.

You must return a completed SBA disaster loan application by Monday, Nov. 14, if you want to borrow money for repairs.

It is a critical recovery step to return a loan application. The SBA may refer you back to FEMA for other potential grants if they cannot offer you a loan. The grants may pay for flood-damaged furniture, appliances and vehicles.

The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 to repair your primary residence, up to $40,000 for homeowners and renters to replace personal property and up to $2 million to businesses and most private non-profits for physical damage and economic injury needs as a result of the disaster.

Learn more and visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-659-2955.

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SBA Loans Valuable for Recovery from Disaster

Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance Is One Week Away

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana disaster survivors affected by August flooding have one week left to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.

Survivors may register with FEMA by going online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app. Survivors who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register.

Survivors can also register for assistance at any FEMA disaster recovery center. To find a disaster recovery center near you, call the FEMA helpline or text DRC and your zip code to 43362. You can also find a center near you by downloading the FEMA mobile app or going online to fema.gov/drc.

FEMA assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repair to their primary residence, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Survivors should also be sure to submit their disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration by Nov.14. Submitting a loan application does not imply acceptance of a loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.  

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 SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. SBA representatives are also available at any disaster recovery center, disaster loan outreach center, or business recovery center.

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Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance Is One Week Away

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