SAIPAN – Typhoon Soudelor survivors including those who are not U.S. citizens may be eligible through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance. If you are unsure of your eligibility, FEMA will walk you through the process when you call and register. 

The aid may be available to citizens, non-citizen nationals, and qualified aliens. Qualified aliens include those with legal permanent residence (shown by Green Cards). Their status will not be jeopardized by requesting disaster assistance.

A parent or guardian who isn’t eligible may still register for assistance on behalf of a child under age 18 who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. No information will be gathered on the adult’s status.

Anyone who is not eligible for monetary assistance from FEMA may still be eligible for some programs run by voluntary organizations and state and local governments.

Survivors are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  Business owners can also contact the SBA Customer Service Center 1-800-659-2955 (SBA).

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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Survivors Who Are Not U.S. Citizens May Be Eligible for FEMA Disaster Assistance

CHICAGO – Inspectors from FEMA have begun meeting with disaster applicants in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties. Inspectors are reviewing damage caused by severe storms and flooding from April 16 through May 5, 2013.  

Here is what you should expect if your storm/flood-damaged home is inspected:

Generally, within 10 days of registering for FEMA assistance, an inspector will call you to schedule an appointment to visit your damaged property. This property must be your primary residence.

  • Be prepared to coordinate a time for an appointment. Typically, inspections take 15 to 45 minutes. When an appointment time is agreed upon, the applicant or another adult who lived at the property must be present.
  • When the inspector arrives, look for official FEMA identification. The badge should include an identification number and a photo of the inspector. If a badge is not readily visible, ask the inspector to see it.
  • Authorized inspectors will only confirm personal detailed information that has been provided previously during the registration process. FEMA inspectors will never ask for money, for bank account information, or for a Social Security number. If someone tells you he or she is a FEMA inspector and asks you these questions, notify your local authorities.

The inspector will ask you for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy if you are a homeowner. If you are a renter only occupancy will be verified. You can speed up the process by having the following appropriate documents on hand:

  • A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • Proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:
    • A lease, rent receipt, recent utility bill or other document confirming the home was your primary residence
    • A pay stub or similar document showing the address of the damaged home
  • Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:
    • A deed showing applicant as the legal owner
    • A title that lists applicant on escrow or title document; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address
    • A property insurance policy with applicant’s name as the insured
    • Tax receipt or bill that lists the address and the applicant as the responsible party.

A FEMA video about home inspection is available online: fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5027 .

You must register for assistance before an inspector can schedule a visit. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms may register for assistance by calling the telephone registration line at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Keep in mind that July 9, 2013 is the last day to register for assistance in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties.

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 online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection