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Tax Tips For Sandy Survivors

Release date:

April 8, 2013

Release Number:

4086-138

If you have experienced a loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy, here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to file your 2012 taxes:

Personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements may be deductible on your tax return. For details on eligible deductions, see IRS Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts, and read the instructions.
IRS Notice 2013-21, Section 165(i) states that affected taxpayers in a federally declared disaster area have the option of claiming disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax returns for either this tax year (2012) or the previous tax year (2011).
According to IRS Notice 2013-16, taxpayers who reside outside the disaster area but whose books, records, or tax professionals are located in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy may also be eligible for tax relief.
The IRS may waive their usual fees and expedite requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Taxpayers should put the assigned Disaster Designation in red ink at the top of IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, or IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and submit it to the IRS.
Taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Sandy can access IRS information related to Sandy online at www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Relief-in-Disaster-Situations.
Visit www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-New-Jersey for information on the nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Taxpayers may download forms and publications with information on tax relief from the official IRS website, IRS.gov, or order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM. The IRS toll-free number for general tax questions is 800-829-1040.

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.

Last Updated:

April 8, 2013 – 13:55

State/Tribal Government or Region:

New Jersey

Related Disaster:

New Jersey Hurricane Sandy

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Tax Tips For Sandy Survivors

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maine Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

March 25, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-026 Factsheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Maine.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

March 25, 2013 – 16:43

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Maine

and

Region I

Related Disaster:

Maine Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding

This article –

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maine Declaration

New York recovery from Hurricane Sandy

Main Content

Release date:

March 8, 2013

Release Number:

NR-184

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy:

More than $2.8 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters, businesses and repair or replacement of public infrastructure
- More than $923 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households:
  - Nearly $797 million for housing assistance
  - More than $126 million for other needs assistance
- Nearly $1.2 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
- More than $721 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
More than $2.8 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed (95 percent)
269,591 people contacted FEMA for help or information
181,121 housing inspections completed
167,113 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
25 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.

Last Updated:

March 8, 2013 – 12:55

State/Tribal Government or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

Link:

New York recovery from Hurricane Sandy

FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment. The NAC is an advisory committee established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management frameworks, strategies, and plans while incorporating the whole communities input through appointed council members.

The NAC will have a position open for applications and nominations in the following disciplines:

Emergency Management Field (one representative appointment)

State Non-Elected Official (one representative appointment)
Standards Setting (one representative appointment)
Public Health (one Special Government Employee (SGE) appointment)
Functional Accessibility (one representative appointment)
Emergency Medical Providers (one SGE appointment)
Tribal Non-Elected Officials (one representative appointment)
Tribal Elected Officials (one representative appointment for a one-year term)
Emergency Response (one representative appointment for a one-year term)
Department of Defense (Ex Officio representative)

The NAC consists of up to 35 members, all of whom are experts and leaders in their respective fields. The members of the NAC are appointed by the FEMA Administrator and are composed of federal, state, tribal, local, and private-sector leaders and subject matter experts in law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, hospital, public works, emergency management, state and local governments, public health, emergency response, standard settings and accrediting organizations, representatives of individuals with disabilities, infrastructure protection, cyber security, communications, and homeland security communities.

Appointments are for three-year terms to June 15, 2016, unless otherwise noted. The Administrator may also appoint additional candidates to serve as a FEMA Administrator Selection for three-year terms.

Individuals interested in serving on the NAC are invited to apply for appointment by submitting a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Office of the National Advisory Council by fax, email, or mail. Letters of recommendation may also be provided, but are not required. Applications and/or nominations must also include the following information: the applicant’s full name, home and business phone numbers, preferred e-mail address, home and business mailing addresses, current position title and organization, and the discipline area of interest (i.e., Emergency Management). Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 8, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EST.

Members selected for the council serve without compensation from the federal government; however, consistent with the charter, members receive travel reimbursement and per diem under applicable federal travel regulations. Registered lobbyists, current FEMA employees, Disaster Assistance Employees, Reservists, FEMA Contractors, and potential FEMA Contractors will not be considered for NAC Membership.

For more information: www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

# # #

Originally from:

FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council

Summary Of Hurricane Sandy News For Weekly Newspapers

Deadline for Hurricane Sandy Assistance Extended to March 1

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors now have until March 1 to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA can provide money to homeowners to repair uninsured damage to essential living areas. Also, homeowners and renters may receive money to replace essential personal property.

Registering with FEMA can be done online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

Survivors also have until March 1 to return disaster loan applications to the Small Business Administration.

Call FEMA With Questions About Determination Letters

Hurricane survivors who have received a determination letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for assistance and they disagree with that determination should contact FEMA and file an appeal.

Applicants with questions about any correspondence from FEMA should call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362)/TTY 800-462-7585 or visit a disaster recovery center and speak to a representative about their particular situation.

Disaster Recovery Centers Provide One-on-one Assistance

At a disaster recovery center, Sandy survivors can get clarification on determination letters, check on the status of their applications and get information on other agencies that may provide help.

SBA representatives are available to help survivors apply for low-interest disaster loans as well as FEMA mitigation specialists who can provide information on cost-effective building and repair techniques to reduce property damage.

Centers serving New Jersey’s coastal counties are still open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located in:

Ocean County

Brick-Brick Township Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Road.

Toms River-Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C, 863 Fischer Blvd.

Little Egg Harbor-Little Egg Harbor Senior Center, 641 Radio Road.

Manahawkin-Ocean County Southern Resource Center, 179A South Main St.

Monmouth County

Leonardo-Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36.

Union Beach-Union Beach Municipal Building, 650 Poole Ave.

Monmouth-Belmar Municipal Building 601 Main St.

Long Branch-Long Branch Fire Station No. 4, 205 Union Ave.

Atlantic County

Atlantic City-Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk.

Mays Landing-Hamilton Mall, 4403 Blackhorse Pike.

Cape May County

Ocean City-Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Hudson County

Jersey City-Hudson County Government Building, 830 Bergen Ave.

Middlesex County

Sayreville-Sayreville Senior Center, 423 Main St.

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:

Summary Of Hurricane Sandy News For Weekly Newspapers

Bay Head, Newark Disaster Recovery Centers to Close This Week

TRENTON, N.J. — The disaster recovery centers located at Bay Head Fire Station No. 1 in Bay Head and the William Heart Community Center in Newark will close Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting centers throughout the state. Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at the Bay Head and Newark centers has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

Since the Bay Head disaster recovery center opened Nov. 16, there have been nearly 2,000 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

There have been more than 1,000 visits to the Newark disaster recovery center since it opened Nov. 11.

Those who want to visit a disaster recovery center in the Bay Head area can go to the Brick or Belmar centers at

Brick Township Civic Center

270 Chambers Bridge Road

Brick, NJ 08723

Belmar Municipal Building

601 Main St.

Belmar, NJ 07719

Those who want to visit a disaster recovery center in the Newark area can go to the Jersey City regional center at:

Hudson County Government Building (formerly the Provident Bank building)

830 Bergen Ave.

Jersey City, NJ 07306

FEMA staff is available at the centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of their application for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help.

Also, survivors can consult with Small Business Administration customer service representatives about low-interest disaster loans to repair or rebuild their home and FEMA mitigation specialists about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damages in future disasters.

Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on their applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

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.

Taken from:

Bay Head, Newark Disaster Recovery Centers to Close This Week

FEMA Determination Letter Is Often Not the Last Word on Eligibility

WINDSOR, Conn. – FEMA is urging disaster survivors not to miss out on federal assistance they may be entitled to simply because of a missing document or signature.

Residents affected by Hurricane Sandy who have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance are now receiving letters explaining the status of their applications. In some cases, applicants are being informed that they are not eligible for aid, but often, that is not the last word on the matter.

FEMA’s determination letters tell applicants how to appeal the eligibility decision and what additional information is needed for FEMA to review the application again.

FEMA is committed to making sure every Connecticut resident affected by the disaster receives the maximum assistance to which they are entitled. And by law, FEMA cannot provide aid unless it has all the required documents needed to determine eligibility. The agency also cannot duplicate benefits from another source, such as an insurance settlement.

All applicants are urged to read the determination letter carefully – and to ask for help if there are questions. FEMA may only need some additional information.

For example, FEMA may not have received information about an applicant’s insurance settlement. FEMA’s initial determination of ineligibility may change if private insurance or other government assistance is not sufficient to cover all eligible damage.

An application for aid might be turned down if:

An insurance settlement has not yet been received;
An applicant has not provided proof of ownership or residence;
Proof the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence is missing;
Essential documents are unsigned.

Applicants can call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get their questions answered. If using TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA is in Connecticut to serve every disaster survivor in need. It is every applicant’s right to ask the agency to reconsider its decisions. For appeal information, go to the video link below:

You Can Appeal: http://go.usa.gov/ggkF

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Excerpt from:

FEMA Determination Letter Is Often Not the Last Word on Eligibility

Survivors With Questions About Their FEMA Letters Can Get Answers

Disaster survivors who don’t understand FEMA correspondence or disagree with FEMA decisions can call the Helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for assistance

CLINTON, Miss. – Everyone who registers with FEMA receives a letter telling them the status of their application. Survivors who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline to get more information and assistance with questions.

The most common reason for denial of housing assistance and other aid is that an applicant has not submitted proof of an insurance settlement. Some other reasons for an initial turndown can be that applicants:

Have not provided FEMA all the information needed.
Did not provide proof of ownership or residence.
Have not provided records that showed the damaged property was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
Have not signed essential documents.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance from insurance benefits or other government sources. However, FEMA aid may be approved if all eligible damage is not covered by private insurance or other government assistance.

Disaster survivors have a right to ask FEMA to reconsider a decision on their eligibility for assistance, but such appeals must be filed in writing within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Applicants who have questions can call the helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or visit a disaster recovery center.

Disaster assistance for qualified homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

Survivors who are not eligible for FEMA assistance or do not qualify for an SBA loan, may be referred to voluntary agencies, faith-based organizations or other community groups.

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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.

Link –

Survivors With Questions About Their FEMA Letters Can Get Answers

FEMA: Survivors Need to Spend Disaster Aid Wisely

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Debby survivors should use their government grants only to meet specific disaster-related needs.

Federal assistance received from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency must be spent for repairs or replacement of items that were damaged as a direct result of the disaster and that are not covered by insurance.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing needs, including repairs to a septic system or private well. They may also be used for temporary rent payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help repair or replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses.

FEMA financial assistance is provided by check or deposited electronically, and it is followed by a letter explaining how the money should be spent. Government-issued assistance may be audited. Survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

Survivors who suspect someone is filing a false damage claim may call the FEMA fraud hotline at 800-323-8603.

The first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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FEMA: Survivors Need to Spend Disaster Aid Wisely

Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 980

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS –The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced more than $5.5 million in consolidated funding to Plaquemines Parish for their proposed, post-Katrina government complex project.

“In support of their recovery endeavors, Plaquemines Parish has been approved to use eligible FEMA funding from 11 storm-damaged donor facilities toward their new government complex project,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Such flexibility within FEMA’s Public Assistance Program enables local communities to rebuild based on their post-disaster needs.”

Design plans for the post-Katrina project—which will be located in upper Plaquemines Parish in a reduced-risk flooding area, known as an “a-zone”— are currently underway. Plans are also in progress within Plaquemines Parish to expand the complex site even further, potentially developing it to include an emergency operations center, community recreational facilities and retail space.

“We would like to thank the FEMA team for working with us to fund the construction of the government complex. This will save Plaquemines Parish taxpayers money in the long run and place government operations in the safest part of the parish,” said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser.

The Plaquemines Parish government complex project will provide office space for various local government departments. The pre-Katrina Plaquemines Parish government building will remain in Port Sulphur to provide additional space for government council offices, a polling place, record storage and a meeting place for lower Plaquemines Parish.

This pre-Katrina government building was not one of the 11 donor facilities in the new government complex project, which instead includes consolidated FEMA-funding previously allocated for facilities such as the District 1 Council Office, the Pointe a La Hache Old Jail and the “Buras Old Fire Station” Warehouse.

In total, FEMA has provided approximately $813.5 million for hurricanes Katrina and Rita recovery efforts throughout Plaquemines Parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

Last Modified: Monday, 09-Jul-2012 10:50:32

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Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project

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