hurricane-sandy - femacontract.com

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.

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.

Last Updated:

April 8, 2013 – 13:55

State/Tribal Government or Region:

New Jersey

Related Disaster:

New Jersey Hurricane Sandy

Continue reading here:

Tax Tips For Sandy Survivors

Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, RI–Spring is just around the corner, and it is the ideal time to start home repairs. For many Rhode Islanders, this year’s springtime repairs include repairing damages from Hurricane Sandy, the Blizzard of 2013, or other severe weather events.

Rhode Islanders who sustained damages from recent severe weather events can call 2-1-1 for a referral to a Long Term Recovery Group or to other disaster aid resources. Information about smart and safe rebuilding is available on the FEMA website, according to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo

Two key partners in the long-term recovery process are community organizations and faith-based groups. Faith-based groups report that they continue to receive requests for assistance from storm survivors who are struggling to find their “new normal”.

“We urge anyone who is tackling storm repairs to consider the fact that it costs less to prepare your home for future storms and flooding than it does to repair damage after it has happened,” Russo said.

FEMA has a library of information with techniques to make property safer and stronger at www.fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/sandyri. Other online resources include https://twitter.com/FEMASandy and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FEMASandy and http://blog.fema.gov.

Link:

Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

FEMA registration deadline extended for Sandy survivors in N.Y.

NEW YORK – At the request of the State of New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a 15-day extension for Hurricane Sandy survivors to apply for disaster assistance.

Survivors now have until April 13 to register with FEMA and to return their disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

Hurricane Sandy survivors should keep all options open for assistance in their recovery.

Registering with FEMA is a critical step.

Survivors who have delayed registration for any reason should apply for potential assistance. Registering with FEMA opens the possibility of disaster assistance provided by FEMA and its federal partner, the SBA.

New York City and the State of New York have developed plans for using federal funds to help homeowners, small businesses and communities impacted by three storms: Sandy, Irene and Lee. Those plans are being reviewed by HUD. Registration with FEMA might lead to eligibility for future grants or assistance, regardless of funding administered by New York City or the State of New York.

Survivors who register and receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should return the application. It might lead to additional FEMA assistance.

FEMA assistance can include:

Rental assistance: Temporary rental assistance is provided by FEMA to assist homeowners until damaged homes can be repaired or rebuilt and to help renters until they can return to former rentals or relocate to a new residence.
Home Repair: Grants are available to homeowners to repair disaster-related damage that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the home safe, sanitary and functional.
Other Needs: Grants are available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage and other expenses authorized by law.

Applying for an SBA disaster loan

There’s no need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for an SBA disaster loan, which may help if applicants later find they are underinsured.

Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Survivors may also visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or a Business Recovery Center. To locate the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362.

For assistance, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Link –

FEMA registration deadline extended for Sandy survivors in N.Y.

Federal Disaster Assistance in Connecticut Following Sandy Tops One Quarter Billion Dollars

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than a quarter billion dollars in federal disaster grants, loans and insurance settlements is supporting the ongoing Connecticut recovery from Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today.

As of close of business March 20:

12,380 Connecticut residents in the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London, and in the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County, signed up for federal disaster assistance during the registration period which ended Feb. 12;
$12,068,937 was approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
$997,312 was approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;
$40,829,200 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;
$10,969 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been approved as a result of Sandy;
$3,529,608 in Public Assistance grants has so far been obligated to municipalities statewide for Sandy-related expenses. Under the PA program, FEMA expects to reimburse the state, local governments and tribal nations more than $52 million in storm-related expenses, which represents the 75 percent federal share of such projects. FEMA continues to obligate funding for approved PA projects; and
4,939 flood insurance claims totaling $195,555,764 have been paid to date, representing nearly 90 percent of total National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state of Connecticut following Hurricane Sandy.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

For accessibility: The recommended font type is sans serif 12 point for regular print and sans serif 18 point when specifically printed for people with vision impairments.

From –

Federal Disaster Assistance in Connecticut Following Sandy Tops One Quarter Billion Dollars

Two weeks remain to register with FEMA

NEW YORK – Survivors of Hurricane Sandy have two weeks to register for possible disaster assistance and to return applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline for both is March 29.

FEMA urges everyone who sustained losses from Hurricane Sandy to register, including those who have insurance. Insurance may not cover all losses.

The 13 designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

There are several ways to register:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Via smartphone or tablet, go to m.fema.gov or download the FEMA app.
By phone, 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.

Survivors who receive a low-interest disaster loan application from SBA after registering with FEMA should complete and return the application even if they do not plan to accept a loan. By completing the application, applicants may become eligible for additional grants from FEMA. By not completing and returning the applications, survivors could potentially be leaving recovery assistance money on the table.

A simple and fast way to complete a disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Applicants can receive an update on the status of their application by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and SBA business recovery centers and disaster loan outreach centers. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

View article –

Two weeks remain to register with FEMA

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.

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

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 launches National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has launched its second annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. This week focuses on you, your family and your community being prepared in the event of a disaster.

Each year people are killed or injured due to hurricanes, blizzards or other natural disasters despite early warnings. In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 weather-related injuries.

Putting together a disaster supply kit is essential to making sure that your family has the provisions needed for each individual. Some kits may need additional items if there are seniors or infants in the house. Developing an emergency plan is the groundwork for your family to prepare itself if a disaster strikes without warning. Collect information on preparedness from local emergency management agencies and FEMA. Make a plan with your family and discuss the information to put into the plan.

Individuals can contribute to preparing themselves and their community for severe weather in their area. As Hurricane Sandy demonstrated, New Yorkers gave their time to helping neighbors and strangers, from providing food and water to clearing debris from the streets. It is this “How can I help?” attitude that speeds up the recovery process and leads to a stronger, more resilient community.

Visit Ready.gov/severe-weather or Noaa.gov/wrn to learn more about severe weather and to be better prepared.

Original article –

FEMA launches National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

$2 billion provided to NY survivors by FEMA, SBA

Main Content

Release date:

March 1, 2013

Release Number:

NR-180

NEW YORK — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $2 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy. This includes:

Nearly $918 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
- More than $793 million for housing assistance
- More than $124 million for other needs
More than $1.1 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses

Other assistance:

More than $717 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and eligible nonprofit organizations that serve the public
More than $2.6 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed
269,192 people contacted FEMA for help or information
180,406 housing inspections completed
164,194 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 www.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 phone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

March 1, 2013 – 13:10

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

From:

$2 billion provided to NY survivors by FEMA, SBA

Disaster Recovery Centers In Three Counties To Close This Week

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery centers in three New Jersey counties will close at the end of this week.

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 disaster recovery centers in Monmouth, Ocean and Cape May counties has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

In Ocean County, the Brick Township Center, located in the Brick Township Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Rd., will close at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1. Since the Brick Township center opened Nov. 5, 2012, there have been more than 6,012 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The Little Egg Harbor Center, located in the Little Egg Harbor Senior Center, 641 Radio Rd., will close at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. Since the Little Egg Harbor center opened Nov. 23, 2012, there have been more than 3,965 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The Toms River Center, located in the BellCrest Plaza, Storefront 4C, 953 Fischer Blvd., will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Since the Toms River center opened Nov. 11, 2012, there have been more than 9,558 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

In Monmouth County, the Leonardo Disaster Recovery Center, located in the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, will close on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Since the Leonardo center opened Nov. 6, 2012, there have been more than 4,573 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The Union Beach Center, located in the Union Beach Municipal Building, 650 Poole Ave., will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Since the Union Beach center opened Nov. 5, 2012, there have been more than 5,811 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

In Cape May County, the Ocean City Center in the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., will close on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Since the Ocean City center opened Nov. 17, 2012, there have been more than 2,950 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Three remaining disaster recovery centers will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, March 9. Their addresses are listed below:

Hudson County Government Building 830 Bergen Ave. Jersey City, N.J. 07306

Ocean County Southern Resource Center 179A South Main St. Manahawkin, N.J. 08050

Hamilton Mall 4403 Blackhorse Pike Mays Landing, N.J. 08330

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. They also can call those numbers to inquire about rental recertification.

They can ask questions about their Small Business Administration disaster home or business 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 and SBA.gov/Sandy. Survivors who have questions about flood insurance claims and the appeals process can call toll-free 888-379-9531.

Follow FEMA online at http://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.

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.

See the original article here:

Disaster Recovery Centers In Three Counties To Close This Week

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