FEMA Aid Does Not Affect Government Assistance Programs

CLINTON, Miss. — Receiving disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following Hurricane Isaac in Mississippi does not affect government assistance programs for lower-income individuals and families.

Receiving assistance from FEMA for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other disaster-related needs does not influence eligibility for government assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid and is not taxable.

Other disaster assistance tips to know:

• Survivors can call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer or faith-based organizations that may be able to help them with resources and needs.
• Representatives from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA are at disaster recovery centers to provide information on disaster assistance programs, help survivors apply for aid and assist in appealing determinations of eligibility for assistance.
• If a survivor is provided an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the Small Business Administration, it is important to return it. Returning the application is required to be considered for grants that do not need to be repaid.

Applicants should register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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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.