Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge Illinois residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding to be alert for potential fraud and to keep these points in mind:

  • FEMA does not charge for information that it gives out. Apply free online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
  • FEMA does not send out text messages asking recipients to call fee-based telephone numbers. The toll-free numbers above are used for all contact with FEMA, including applying and follow-up.
  • FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration do not charge fees for information regarding filling out the SBA loan applications. Free assistance is available by calling SBA’s toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register. While FEMA DSATs are offering at-your-door service, it’s important to remain vigilant about protecting your personal information:

Residents should always ask for ID. Federal and state officials always have identification clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

  • DSAT members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf.  DSAT members will never require Illinois residents to provide personal information. If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov. Complaints may also be made via the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

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, facebook.com/fema, and 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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Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

New York: By the Numbers

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy has reached nearly $3.2 billion, including:

  • Nearly $954 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
    • Nearly $818 million for housing assistance
    • More than $136 million for other needs
  • Nearly $1.4 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
  • Nearly $824 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public

Other assistance:

  • More than $3.3 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
  • 271,188 people have registered for assistance in the 13 designated counties
  • 183,358 housing inspections completed
  • 179,240 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
  • 5.6 million cubic yards of debris removed
  • More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
  • 26 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585.  The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week.

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New York: By the Numbers

New York disaster recovery center to remain open

NEW YORK – The disaster recovery center in Long Beach, N.Y., remains open as a full-service survivor resource that is staffed by state and federal specialists.

Hurricane Sandy survivors can visit the center at the Recreation Center and Ice Arena, 700 Magnolia Blvd., Long Beach, N.Y., 11561. The center is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Individuals may register for FEMA help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Federal disaster assistance can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Survivors who have questions may call FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

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New York disaster recovery center to remain open

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.

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Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

Renters: Complete and Return SBA Applications

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey renters who had losses during Hurricane Sandy may be eligible to receive federal disaster assistance to replace damaged contents.

Renters can receive up to $40,000 in low-interest disaster home loans from the Small Business Administration for personal property losses. Loan applications are due no later than Monday, April 1.

No one is required to accept a loan offer. Renters may be referred for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants if they are not approved for an SBA disaster home loan.

The simplest way to complete the application is online by using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to DisasterLoan.SBA.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. Survivors must register by April 1 to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

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.

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Renters: Complete and Return SBA Applications

FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance can take advantage of the many services available through the FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Survivors can check the status of their applications, update contact information, and learn how their insurance affects FEMA assistance.

Survivors also can call the helpline to:

  • Update insurance information
  • Receive information on the home inspection process
  • Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak for the applicant
  • Find out if FEMA needs more information about their claim
  • Update FEMA on the applicant’s housing situation
  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision
  • Get answers to other questions they might have about their application

Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Survivors can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov.

The deadline to register for possible disaster assistance is March 29, 2013. FEMA offers financial help to eligible survivors of federally-declared disasters to cover uninsured losses and critical expenses that are not covered by other means.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit FEMA.gov/SandyNY, Twitter.com/FEMASandy, Facebook.com/FEMASandy and FEMA.gov/blog.

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FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Saturday

TRENTON, N.J. — All disaster recovery centers in New Jersey will be closed Saturday, Feb. 9, due to forecasted severe weather. Centers will reopen Monday, Feb. 11, at 9 a.m.

Help and information are always available online or by phone. Survivors can check on the status of their disaster assistance 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.

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.

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New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Saturday

Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

TRENTON, N.J. – Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey, survivors have a chance to reconsider a decision they made in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Thousands of New Jersey survivors answered “will not relocate” when FEMA housing inspectors asked what they planned to do while repairs are being made on their homes or apartments. That response made them ineligible for FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Some who would like FEMA help today may find the window still open.

Here’s what to do:

  • If it has been less than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, call 800-621-3362 and tell FEMA that your housing situation has changed and that you’d like temporary housing assistance.
  • However, if it has been more than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, you will need to reply in a letter to FEMA stating that you want to change your earlier response, explain how your circumstances have changed and that you’d like FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Survivors can follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Help is also available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, which can be found at  www.fema.gov/DRCloc.                                                      

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.

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Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

Applicants Urged to Stay in Touch with Fema

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippians who applied for FEMA assistance are urged to stay in touch with the agency for several reasons even after disaster recovery centers closed Oct. 12.

Applicants can track their claims and should notify FEMA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses and if they receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

Those who have not registered for FEMA assistance are urged to do so before the registration deadline of Oct. 31.

Here is how to reach FEMA:

  • Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
  • Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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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.

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Applicants Urged to Stay in Touch with Fema

SBA Disaster Loan Application is Win-Win Situation—Apply Before Win-Window Closes

Clinton, Miss. – Disaster recovery officials are concerned that many homeowners and renters with Hurricane Isaac losses could miss out on valuable grants and low-interest loans by not returning completed applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“This is a win-win situation for everybody who received a disaster loan application from the SBA, even if they’re leaning away from a loan,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Director Robert Latham. “If the SBA is not able to approve your home loan application, you could be referred back to FEMA for a possible grant. And if you qualify for a loan, there is no obligation to take it.” 

Many disaster survivors receive loan applications from the SBA after registering with FEMA for help. Loan applications are also available from disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Property damage loan applications must be returned to the SBA no later than Oct. 31, 2012.

Business owners, although not eligible for grants, can apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans to cover uninsured losses to business assets such as real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and more. 

Small businesses can also qualify for economic injury disaster loans. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. 

SBA representatives are at each of the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and SBA Business Recovery centers to provide information about disaster loans and offer assistance filing disaster loan applications. To locate a center or learn more about SBA disaster loans, call 800-659-2955,
(TTY) 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing or send an e-mail to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To start all forms of disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call 800-621-3362.

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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SBA Disaster Loan Application is Win-Win Situation—Apply Before Win-Window Closes

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