More than $1 Million in Sandy Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Rhode Island

WARWICK, R.I. — Since November 14 when President Obama declared a major disaster for Rhode Island due to damage from Hurricane Sandy, federal disaster aid to Rhode Islanders has topped $1,060,342 in assistance.

Below is a statistical summary of state-federal aid for individuals, families and public entities in the counties designated for FEMA’s assistance programs. Numbers are as of December 30, 2012:

• 509 households have registered with FEMA for some form of disaster assistance, including financial grants, loans and other disaster-related services.
• $293,243 has been approved through the Individuals and Households Program to help pay for housing assistance, including rental assistance and repairs to homes.
• $22,086 has been approved to help applicants cover other disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, funeral costs and lost personal property and loss of transportation.
• $213,513 has been obligated through the Public Assistance Program, which reimburses local, county, and state government entities and some non-profit organizations for their disaster related costs.
• 71 applicants have requested aid from the Public Assistance Program.
• $531,500 in low interest, disaster recovery loans to homeowners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA and state officials continue to encourage anyone with storm-related losses to register for assistance. This includes renters and those who have insurance. FEMA provides assistance to renters. And for those with insurance, FEMA may be able to cover expenses insurance does not cover.

The registration deadline is January 14, 2013. Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy should register now to see if they qualify for assistance. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362). The phone line is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.  Rhode Islanders with questions about federal disaster assistance or their registration may call 800-621-3362 and select the “help” option.

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 medical and dental expenses, 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.