Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Louisiana Residents Tops $1 Million

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana residents whose jobs were affected by the August flooding have received more than $1 million in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance supports Louisiana residents who:

  • Have had at least a week of unemployment as a consequence of the flooding;
  • Were unable to reach work because of flooded routes or damaged transportation;
  • Were prevented from starting a new job because of the flooding;
  • Became the monetary support for a household whose head died from the flood; or
  • Cannot work because of an injury caused by the flooding. 

Although the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance has passed, eligible individuals who applied for the program before the deadline may receive payments until Feb. 18, 2017, as long as their unemployment continues to be disaster-related.

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Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Louisiana Residents Tops $1 Million

Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Louisiana Residents Tops

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana residents whose jobs were affected by the August flooding have received more than $1 million in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance supports Louisiana residents who:

  • Have had at least a week of unemployment as a consequence of the flooding;
  • Were unable to reach work because of flooded routes or damaged transportation;
  • Were prevented from starting a new job because of the flooding;
  • Became the monetary support for a household whose head died from the flood; or
  • Cannot work because of an injury caused by the flooding. 

Although the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance has passed, eligible individuals who applied for the program before the deadline may receive payments until Feb. 18, 2017, as long as their unemployment continues to be disaster-related.

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Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Louisiana Residents Tops

Now Hiring: Help Florida with Hurricane Recovery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA is now hiring Floridians for a variety of full-time, temporary positions, to help with state recovery from hurricanes Hermine and Matthew.

The Employ Florida Marketplace and FEMA are working together to hire as many as 100 local employees in the Tallahassee area for a wide range of jobs, including applicant services, environmental protection and congressional affairs.

Hiring local workers allows FEMA staff to move to the next disaster, while keeping in place a strong recovery presence with unique insights into local culture, history, and politics.

Wages vary by job type and are competitive based on locality. Health benefits, sick leave and holiday pay are available.

To apply visit: employflorida.com—search keyword: Federal Government.

Qualifying applicants must be U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older, with a valid government issued identification card (such as a driver’s license, state or military ID), and be able to successfully pass a background investigation.

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.

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Now Hiring: Help Florida with Hurricane Recovery

Floridian Survivors: FEMA Speaks Your Language

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Language is not a barrier to receiving federal disaster assistance. If you or someone you know wants to apply for assistance in a language other than English, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) probably can provide a translator or interpreter in your language.

More than 27 percent of Floridians speak a language other than English in their homes, with Spanish the most common, according to recent Census Bureau data.

FEMA has many ways to meet survivors’ language needs. Many FEMA employees are bilingual or multilingual and can assist survivors in their primary language during encounters in communities, at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) or at public meetings.

As Disaster Survivors Assistance Teams canvass neighborhoods in designated counties, they take special note of language needs and work with non-English speaking survivors to help them register. They are equipped with iPads that translate into languages that survivors understand.

Survivors can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov. or by calling 800-621-3362, where they can speak with an employee fluent in their language. However, it is helpful if someone who speaks English can assist the survivor when calling FEMA. The toll free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

In the wake of hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, FEMA has provided Floridians with translations in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Burmese, Arabic, Korean and German.

All Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each center provides communication accessibility tools for people with communication disabilities. An American Sign Language interpreter can be available by appointment at the Disaster Recovery Center when you visit.

Survivors who are deaf, hard-of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call

800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit 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 www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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Floridian Survivors: FEMA Speaks Your Language

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Fernandina Beach to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions. Survivors can visit any open DRC for assistance, even if they live in another county.

The center is located at:

                     Peck Center

                     516 South 10th Street

                     Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may ask DRC staff or call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at  800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit 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 www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Excerpt from:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County

FEMA Registration and SBA Disaster Loan Application are Key to Hurricane Recovery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For many Floridians who need help recovering from Hurricane Matthew, registering with FEMA and completing a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are essential.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors should first register for assistance with FEMA, in any of the following ways:

  • Online at disasterassistance.gov;
  • On the FEMA Mobile App;
  • Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2);
  • At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the nearest one, go online to the DRC locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator. SBA representatives at all Disaster Recovery Centers will help individuals complete and submit loan applications and answer any questions.

Second to insurance, SBA low-interest disaster loans are the primary source of financial assistance to rebuild disaster-damaged private property for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. A completed SBA loan application is also an important step in order to qualify for other state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

SBA loans are low-interest, and long-term. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage. SBA loan officers work to come up with a plan that fits a survivor’s budget.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.  Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property. If SBA does not offer a homeowner or renter a loan, they are referred to FEMA for possible additional grant consideration.

The SBA disaster declaration covers the counties of Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Nassau Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola and St. Lucie.

The SBA has opened Business Recovery Centers (BRC) in St. Johns and Volusia counties to help Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Matthew:

  • St. Johns County: St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, 1 News Place, Suite C, St. Augustine, FL 32086

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Volusia County: Florida Department of Health-Volusia County, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additional details on the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail), or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Source:  

FEMA Registration and SBA Disaster Loan Application are Key to Hurricane Recovery

Hermine Survivors Get 30 More Days to Submit Proof of Loss

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Homeowners who have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy and have damages or losses from Hurricane Hermine have been granted a 30-day extension to turn in a Proof of Loss.

A Proof of Loss is a policyholder’s statement of the amount of money being requested, signed and sworn to by the policyholder, along with documentation to support the amount requested initially, and any requests for additional payment. Policyholders must submit a Proof of Loss (www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/9343) directly to their flood insurance company within 90 days after the date of the flood loss.

The Proof of Loss statement is included in the claims package that documents your flood losses. It is important to understand the Proof of Loss is not the claim. A policyholder who suffers flood damage to NFIP insured property has only one claim arising from that event, regardless of the number of Proofs of Loss with documentation packages the policyholder may submit in support of that claim.

The claims packages should include:

  • Photos or video of your flood damage;
  • A comprehensive and itemized list of what was damaged;
  • Receipts, if possible, for damaged items along with any other supporting documents that show the value of what you lost.

Both state and federal officials encourage you to closely monitor the insurance claims process after reporting your loss. Once the documentation is submitted, an insurance adjuster hired by the NFIP insurer will inspect the property. The adjuster may also provide information about the flood insurance claims process.

Here are some tips to guide you through the process to ensure you receive all eligible insurance funds for your recovery:

What to Do Before an Adjuster Visits

  • Take pictures of the damage.
  • Write down a list of your damaged contents.
  • Immediately dispose of flood-damaged items which pose a health risk, such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions and pillows. Cut off and keep a 12-square-inch sample of building materials like carpets and drywall to show your flood adjuster, and set aside other damaged personal property items like furniture, televisions and electronics.
  • Have documents related to your damage ready for inspection. This may include contractor’s estimates and repair receipts.
  • Also keep your policy number and insurance company information handy.

What Happens During an Adjuster’s Visit

  • An insurance adjuster will contact you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule an appointment.
  • Ask to see the adjuster’s official identification when he or she visits.
  • The adjuster will take measurements and photographs and document your damage. They will provide you with their contact information and, if required, the adjuster may revisit your property.
  • After your home is inspected, the adjuster will complete the covered estimate of loss and provide you with a copy of it, along with a Proof of Loss form.
  • A FEMA inspector or flood insurance adjuster will never ask for money, approve or disapprove claims, or tell you whether your flood insurance company will approve your claim.

What Happens After an Adjuster’s Visit

  • The adjuster will collect all of the necessary information and documentation during the initial visit and will contact the policyholder as the claim progresses to an agreement and closure.
  • If you disagree with the resolution of your claim, ask the adjuster to show how they arrived at the figure(s) and explain the policy if an item was excluded from coverage, even though you feel it should be covered.
  • If the adjuster and insured are unable to come to an amicable agreement, the policyholder may hire an independent contractor to prepare an estimate for flood related damage.
  • Within 60 days after the loss, send the insurer a signed and sworn Proof of Loss.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin processing your claim.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.

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Hermine Survivors Get 30 More Days to Submit Proof of Loss

Hurricane Matthew Survivors Encouraged to Use Disaster Grants Wisely

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Once approved for disaster grants, Georgia survivors receive funds via check or a direct deposit to their checking account. They also receive a letter from FEMA providing information about the grant and how the money can be spent.

Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to use the money wisely.

Before survivors receive their grants, they must sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

These grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved essential disaster-related costs. Georgia survivors who have questions about their grants should call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Housing funds may be used for:

  • Rental assistance. Applicants who have a continuing need for temporary rental assistance must turn in valid lease and utility receipts to receive additional assistance.

  • Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster.

  • Repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems or other structural elements to return a home to a safe and functional condition.

  • Rebuilding a disaster-damaged home.

    Recipients of FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program grants may use the funds for:

  • Essential personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement.

  • Disaster-related medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses.

    Applicants should be sure to update their personal information including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, disaster survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their applications for assistance or payment status

    FEMA grants cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be returned to FEMA.

    Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties. Damage or losses from Hurricane Matthew in Georgia must have occurred Oct. 4-15.

    Survivors are encouraged to keep their information updated by logging into their account:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
  • Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish).
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284. 

# # #

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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Hurricane Matthew Survivors Encouraged to Use Disaster Grants Wisely

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center on the Move in Dare County

RALEIGH, N.C. – To reach North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew in Dare County,  FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are moving throughout the county to provide more locations where you can get information about available state and federal assistance. The DRC will be in Kill Devil Hills, Tuesday, Nov. 8 through Thursday, Nov. 10.

Kill Devil Hills Location:    North Parking Lot

                                             KDH Fire Station

                                             1634 N. Croatan Highway

                                             Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

 

The DRC will then move to Manteo for: Saturday, Nov. 12, Monday, Nov. 14 and Tuesday,

Nov. 15. It will be closed Sunday.

 

Manteo Location:                 Dare County Office

        954 Marshall C Collins Drive

                 Manteo, NC 27954

 

Regular hours:                      9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DRCs are staffed with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can receive help applying for federal disaster assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and obtain updates regarding your application. 

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.

Original post – 

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center on the Move in Dare County

Manatee, Taylor and Wakulla Counties Designated for Individual Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Manatee, Taylor and Wakulla counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damages and losses resulting from Hurricane Hermine.

Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco, and Pinellas counties are already designated for Individual Assistance.

Twenty-two Florida counties had earlier received a Public Assistance designation as a result of Hurricane Hermine. 

To be eligible for federal aid under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Hermine. 

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. If you preregistered with FEMA, you do not have to apply again. If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or

  • On the FEMA Mobile App, or by

  • Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

  • The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

  • Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help.

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Manatee, Taylor and Wakulla Counties Designated for Individual Assistance

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