Has a FEMA Housing Inspector Assessed Damage to Your Dwelling?

AURORA, Ill. – A FEMA-contracted housing inspector must visit your damaged dwelling before a determination can be made that you are eligible for an Individual Assistance grant to help repair damage caused by the storms of April 16 to May 5.

The first step is to register with FEMA, which must be done before the July 9 deadline. Within a few days after registration, the applicant will receive a call from an inspector assigned to check the damage. The inspector will make an appointment to visit the dwelling.

FEMA does its own inspections. It does not receive information from flood insurance adjustors, SBA, or other sources.

It you do not receive a call from a FEMA inspector within two weeks after registration, you should call the FEMA helpline to verify your registration, 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

Making a flood insurance claim does not register you with FEMA. If you do not register with FEMA within the 60-day registration period ending July 9, you will not be eligible for FEMA assistance later if your flood insurance does not fully cover your loss. However, if you are registered, you have up to a year to request FEMA assistance if insurance coverage falls short.

FEMA registration is available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov, in addition to the telephone numbers listed above.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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: 571-408-1835

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Has a FEMA Housing Inspector Assessed Damage to Your Dwelling?

Fifteen Illinois Counties Added for Public Assistance

AURORA, Ill. – Fifteen additional Illinois counties are now eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program as part of the federal disaster declaration for severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5.

This eligibility means that cities, counties, and certain private nonprofit organizations can apply for reimbursement for eligible costs incurred during the spring severe weather. Categories of eligible work that may be funded by FEMA are debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair or replacement of roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, and parks and recreational facilities.

This brings to 39 the total number of Illinois counties designated for PA. The counties (new counties are bold faced) are Adams, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Crawford, DuPage, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Will and Woodford.

PA is a cost-sharing program with FEMA paying 75 percent. The remainder is the responsibility of the state and local governments.

Federal Hazard Mitigation funding for the entire state was included in the original disaster declaration on May 10.

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: 571-408-1835

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Fifteen Illinois Counties Added for Public Assistance

An SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application is Key to Some FEMA Grants

AURORA, IL – FEMA disaster assistance applicants who do not complete and submit the companion U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance loan application could be throwing money away.

No FEMA applicant is required to accept an SBA disaster assistance loan. However, the SBA loan application provides financial information necessary to determine whether to offer a low interest loan or refer the applicant back to FEMA for possible additional grant assistance.

Common mistakes made by FEMA applicants are assuming that SBA packets are only for businesses or ignoring the application because they do not want a loan. Failure to submit a completed SBA disaster assistance loan application could prevent a survivor from receiving some types of FEMA grants.

SBA loans are an affordable means to pay for up to 100 percent of uninsured disaster-related losses.

If a disaster survivor does not qualify for a low-interest loan, FEMA may be able to offer them additional disaster grants that help reimburse for lost personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Survivors are not required to complete an SBA disaster assistance loan application to qualify for FEMA grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses.

Help is available to complete the SBA application. Disaster survivors can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY at 800-877-8339 or go to one of FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers to meet with an SBA representative. Survivors also can apply online using the electronic disaster loan applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Don’t throw away money. Fill out the SBA application and return as soon as possible.

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: 571-408-1835

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An SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application is Key to Some FEMA Grants

Ineligible? FEMA May Just Need More Information

CHICAGO – If you’ve registered for federal disaster assistance and received a letter saying you’re ineligible, make sure to double check that you provided all the necessary information when you initially applied.

Federal Emergency Management Agency eligibility determinations are based on information an individual supplies in an online application or during a phone call with a FEMA representative. 

Since May 10, when the disaster was declared for the spring storms and flooding, homeowners and renters in 11 Illinois counties have been applying for disaster assistance. To date, more than $38.4 million has been approved for more than 12,100 eligible applicants.

Applicants who received a determination letter, but were deemed ineligible may just need to supply additional information to FEMA.

“We want to make sure eligible Illinois residents who suffered damages or uninsured losses as a result of the spring storm receive disaster assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore. “The best thing for applicants to do to make sure this happens is to read the FEMA correspondence carefully and follow up with us.”

Following are just a few of the reasons an applicant may have received an ineligibility notification and can follow up.

  • Sometimes a first ineligibility determination is simply a clerical error, such as a name is misspelled, an address doesn’t match or a signature has been left out.
  • If more than one person from the same home address registered, the applications will be flagged until the head of household can be determined.
  • The applicant has insurance, and more information about the policy is needed.  FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. However, once you receive insurance payment, FEMA may be able to assist with uninsured losses.
  • Proof of occupancy is required. Whether a homeowner or renter, the damaged dwelling must be a primary residence where the applicant lived at the time of the disaster.
  • Identity verification is needed. Sometimes an applicant simply needs to submit documentation—such as a passport or military issued ID—so a social security number can be verified. If an applicant was recently married, a marriage certificate or license may be required to verify any name change.

If you have questions about any FEMA correspondence you receive, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), the toll-free line used for registration and follow-up.  Have your FEMA application number available so the representative can find your case easily.

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: 571-408-1835

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Ineligible? FEMA May Just Need More Information

Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey who do not return their Small Business Administration disaster loan applications could be missing out on valuable funds for their recovery.

Returning SBA disaster loan applications is a critical step for homeowners and renters who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be considered for federal loans or grants that could be valuable recovery assets.

SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. They are the largest federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, who may be able to qualify for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may apply to receive up to $40,000 for personal property losses.

Homeowners can receive an additional 20 percent of the approved loan amount for mitigation improvements including building elevation, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps and relocating utilities.

In some cases, the SBA may be willing to refinance all or part of a previous mortgage when the survivor does not have credit available elsewhere and has suffered substantial disaster damage not covered by insurance.

Proceeds from insurance coverage on a survivor’s home will be deducted from the total damage estimate to determine eligible loan amount. The SBA is not permitted to duplicate benefits.

The simplest way to apply is online at DisasterLoan.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They can also call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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 www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Link to original – 

Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

Hurricane Sandy Survivors: Keep Your Receipts

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends Hurricane Sandy survivors who received money to keep the receipts or bills for which the money was used for three years.        

FEMA assistance must be used for eligible disaster expenses only, as identified in the approval letter from the agency. Survivors must save documentation that demonstrates how the funds were used in meeting their disaster-related needs in case they are audited.

Examples include:

  • Receipts for items purchased for home repair
  • Contractor invoices
  • Proof of hotel room charges if you received housing assistance
  • Rent payment receipts if you received housing assistance
  • Receipts for moving and storage expenses
  • Receipts for repairing or replacing personal property

More information on FEMA programs for individuals and households can be found in the “Help After a Disaster” guide. The guide was mailed to each applicant but also is available online at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

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 www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Link: 

Hurricane Sandy Survivors: Keep Your Receipts

Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change Saturday

TRENTON, N.J. — Saturday hours for New Jersey disaster recovery centers will change to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 2. Monday through Friday the hours will remain 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Survivors can locate their closest center online at FEMA.gov/DRC.

Help and information are always available online or by phone. Survivors can apply for disaster assistance or check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS.

Survivors can ask questions about their Small Business Administration disaster home loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ. 

There have been more than 67,000 survivor visits to New Jersey centers since opening in November.

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 www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Continued here – 

Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change Saturday

President Declares Disaster for Arkansas

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Arkansas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms during the period of December 25 to December 26, 2012.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, and Saline counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Coachman said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. 

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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President Declares Disaster for Arkansas

Transitional Sheltering Assistance Winds Down

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of New Jersey will continue to help the dwindling number of families needing transitional sheltering assistance during a two-week extension of the program.

FEMA has continuously been in contact with households in the transitional sheltering program to determine their housing needs and how to help them. From those contacts, FEMA and the state of New Jersey recognized the declining need for the program.

Approximately 1,300 households currently using the program have told FEMA that they have worked out longer-term housing. Transitional sheltering is a short-term solution for housing and the extension will end Jan. 26.

Since the program began on Nov. 1, 2012, more than 5,400 people have stayed in more than 430 hotels and motels. The average stay is 25 days.

FEMA provides disaster survivors with rental resources and referrals to partner agencies to help with temporary housing needs.

FEMA reminds applicants to call the FEMA Helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for assistance if their needs or living situation change. Call 800-621-3362 or TTY 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 online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

See the original post: 

Transitional Sheltering Assistance Winds Down

El centro de recuperación en Atlantic City cambia de ubicación

TRENTON, N.J. — El centro de recuperación por desastre en Atlantic City cambiará de ubicación el viernes, 4 de enero.

El centro está actualmente abierto en el Centro de Convenciones de Atlantic City y se reubicará a la siguiente dirección:

Boardwalk Hall

2301 Boardwalk

Atlantic City, NJ 08401

El horario para el centro es de 9 a.m. hasta 7 p.m., de lunes a sábado.

Los representantes de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) están disponibles en los centros para proveer información sobre las cartas recibidas de FEMA, ayudar a los sobrevivientes a encontrar una vivienda temporal si la vivienda principal fue dañada o destruida, verificar el estado de su solicitud para asistencia, o referir a las personas a otras agencias que puedan brindar ayuda adicional.

En adición, los sobrevivientes pueden hablar con los representantes de servicio al cliente de la Administración para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) sobre los préstamos a bajo interés por desastre para reparar o reconstruir sus viviendas. Los especialistas de mitigación de FEMA también están disponibles en los centros para brindar información sobre técnicas económicas de reconstrucción y reparación que puedan reducir los daños a las propiedades durante desastres futuros.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que trabajemos juntos como nación para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos, y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

Siga a FEMA en línea en www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, y www.youtube.com/fema. También, siga las actividades de administrador Craig Fugate en www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Los enlaces a redes sociales se proporcionan solamente a manera de referencia. FEMA no endosa ninguna página de Internet, compañía o aplicación no gubernamental. 

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El centro de recuperación en Atlantic City cambia de ubicación

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