FEMA, New York State & New York City Sign Off on 78 Hurricane Sandy Public Assistance Recovery Agreements

Agreements Total $9.9 Billion in Recovery Funding Since 2013; Funding Provided Under New Public Assistance Pilot Program

NEW YORK – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, New York State, and New York City announced they have reached final agreements for 78 Public Assistance projects in New York City and Long Island since 2013. The agreements, known as Letters of Undertaking (LOUs), support repair and restoration work totaling $9.9 billion. This includes 33 LOUs for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) which support $2.9 billion of work at more than 250 buildings.

The funding for these projects was made possible by FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work (Section 428) – a new authority provided by the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013. The pilot program allows FEMA to improve the delivery of public assistance funds by providing financial incentives for timely and cost effective completion of projects. The pilot program also provides FEMA with increased flexibility in the administration of public assistance while streamlining support to state, local, tribal governments or nonprofit groups.

“These agreements are a major step forward in helping our region recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy,” said Region II Administrator, Jerome Hatfield. “This new authority has improved FEMA’s ability to support our state, local and tribal partners as we work together to not only help New York recover from this disaster but also build back safer and stronger than ever before. Our working relationship with New York State and New York City has been invaluable.”

“The vital support provided to New York City through the 428 program is allowing us to rebuild stronger and more resiliently across the five boroughs — from our public housing and hospitals to our boardwalks and open spaces,” said Bill Goldstein, Senior Advisor to Mayor de Blasio for Recovery, Resiliency, and Infrastructure. “The flexibility provided by the program has been a huge help to the City and the New Yorkers who rely on this critical infrastructure. Thank you to FEMA for their continued partnership.”

Some key highlights:

· The 78 LOUs represent an estimated $9.9 billion, with an anticipated $8.9 billion in federal share funding. To date, FEMA has obligated $5.7 billion of its federal share.

· Of the 78 LOUs, 63 represent New York City projects for an estimated $5.9 billion with an anticipated $5.3 billion federal share funding. To date, FEMA has obligated $2.2 billion of the federal share for these NYC projects.

· 33 LOUs pertain to New York City Housing Authority developments and represent an estimated $2.9 billion with an anticipated $2.6 billion in federal share funding. To date, FEMA has obligated $10.2 million of the federal share.

A significant portion of eligible FEMA funding for NYCHA projects will be applied toward mitigation measures to help disaster-damaged buildings better withstand future disasters, including dry flood-proofing of structures and certain utilities, elevating equipment and providing backup power generators to certain damaged facilities.

Traditionally, Public Assistance funding is provided based on estimates and reimbursed at actual cost of completed projects. Under the Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work, eligible applicants may request this fixed cap grant funding for repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the disaster-damaged facility. The grant amount is capped once FEMA, the State and the applicant agree on the damage, scope of work and estimated cost. Work must be finished within the established time period, including approved time extensions, and managed by the applicant to ensure it is completed for the capped amount. Additional funding is not available if an applicant spends more than the fixed estimate. If the completed project is finished for less than the capped amount, the applicant may use the excess funds for other eligible Public Assistance projects.

The Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work is just one of several Public Assistance initiatives authorized by the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act; more information can be found at FEMA.gov.

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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Originally from –

FEMA, New York State & New York City Sign Off on 78 Hurricane Sandy Public Assistance Recovery Agreements

The Other Disaster Assistance – Public Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – The July 13 major disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding makes five Louisiana parishes eligible to receive disaster assistance from the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program – or the “other disaster assistance.”

Those five parishes are Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Natchitoches and Red River.

The PA program benefits everyone — neighborhoods, cities and the state of Louisiana. PA funding cleans up communities; repairs bridges and roads; puts water systems and utility systems back in order; and repairs public facilities such as libraries, schools and universities.

“FEMA and GOHSEP are working together to ensure that those parishes, communities and neighborhoods affected by the recent severe storms and flooding receive the funding they need to get started on the road to recovery,” said GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis.

“FEMA Public Assistance dollars come to Louisiana communities through a partnership of cost sharing between applicants and the federal government,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III. “FEMA picks up 75 percent of the eligible cost of putting a community back on its feet, and the remainder comes from non-federal sources, such as state and/or local funding.”

Types of entities that may be eligible for Public Assistance include:

Local governments and special districts;
Certain private nonprofit organizations or institutions that conduct activities of a governmental nature and are open to the general public;
Federally recognized tribes; and
State government agencies.

For more information on the severe storms and flooding recovery efforts in Louisiana visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4228 or www.la.gohsep.gov.

Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

Follow GOHSEP on Twitter at https://twitter.com/gohsep.

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) encourages all citizens to visit www.getagameplan.org for information on how to plan for, and stay safe in, all types of emergencies, including winter weather events.

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.

Visit site –

The Other Disaster Assistance – Public Assistance

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Crawford County

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – A joint federal/state disaster recovery center will open in Crawford County on Tuesday, July 14 to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of May 7 to June 15, 2015.

Representatives from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The center is located at the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Building, 615 E. Pointer Trail in Van Buren, AR 72956.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. until further notice.

Those seeking disaster assistance should register with FEMA before going to a disaster recovery center. Individuals and families who suffered losses as a result of the late spring storms may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or those without access to the internet, can call FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Each disaster recovery center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. ASL interpreters are available at the DRCs by calling 870-451-9241.

Anyone who sustained damage in Crawford, Garland, Howard, Jefferson, Little River, Miller, Perry, Sebastian, or Sevier counties, which were designated for federal disaster assistance, can visit any disaster recovery center.

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

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Applying for these loans is also a way to qualify for other avenues of assistance.

To locate the disaster recovery center nearest you, go to http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. On a web-enabled mobile device, go to http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/mobile.htm.

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Disaster Recovery Center Open in Crawford County

Free Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Stores in Hays County, Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – As Texans rebuild or repair their homes resulting from the storms during May 4 through June 19, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be on hand in Hays County at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following locations on dates and times noted:

Wimberley
Ace Hardware
14307 Ranch Rd 12
Wimberley, TX 78676
July 9 – 14 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday,
9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sundays

Dripping Spring
Home Depot
260 E Hwy 290
Dripping Spring, TX 78620
July 16 – 21 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily
8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday

Kyle
Lowe’s Home Improvement
5753 Kyle Parkway
Kyle, TX 78640
July 23 – 28 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily
8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage, mold and mildew clean-up. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation

Texans who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CDT) Monday through Friday. Specialists can help service claims, provide general information regarding policies, and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

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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). For TTY, call 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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call
800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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Free Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Stores in Hays County, Texas

Free Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Stores in Harris County, Texas

FEMA specialists will be on hand in Harris County at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following Houston locations 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except Wednesday on dates noted:

July 9 – 14
Home Depot
999 N. Loop W.
Houston, TX 77008

July 16 – 21
Home Depot
6810 Gulf Fwy
Houston, TX 77087

July 23 – 28
Lowe’s Home Improvement
4645 Beechnut St.
Houston, TX 77096

July 30 – August 4
Lowe’s Home Improvement
1521 N. Loop W.
Houston, TX 77008

August 6 – 11
Home Depot
8400 Katy Fwy
Houston, TX 77024

August 13 – 18
Lowe’s Home Improvement
1000 Gulfgate Center Mall
Houston, TX 77087

August 20 – 25
Lowe’s Home Improvement
9640 Katy Fwy
Houston, TX 77055

August 27 – September 1
Home Depot
10707 N. Fwy
Houston, TX 77037

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Howard, Jefferson Counties

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Disaster recovery centers will open in Howard and Jefferson counties at noon on Wednesday, July 8 to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms of late spring.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Howard County
Carter Day Training Center
200 Lake Nichols Drive
Nashville, AR 71852

Jefferson County
Pine Bluff Convention Center
(Entrance D)
500 East 8th Ave
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

After opening at noon on Wednesday, July 8, hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. until further notice.

Each disaster recovery center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Other reasonable accomodations may be available upon request at the site.

Anyone who sustained damage in Crawford, Garland, Howard, Jefferson, Little River, Miller, Perry, Sebastian, or Sevier counties designated for federal disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

For more information on SBA programs, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.
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.

Original article –

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Howard, Jefferson Counties

Carefully Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

OKLAHOMA CITY – As clean-up continues for homes, farms and businesses damaged by the May 5 through June 4 severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, Oklahomans should take special care when collecting and disposing of household hazardous wastes.

Homeowners and renters affected by the disaster should, whenever feasible, separate hazardous household waste from other debris before disposal. Among the items that fall into the household hazardous waste category are paints and solvents, cleaning materials, batteries, oils and petroleum products, pesticides, explosives, swimming pool chemicals and pressurized gas cylinders.

After separating out household hazardous waste, take the waste (or arrange for it to be taken) to a facility that accepts toxic materials. To find a facility that accepts household hazardous waste in your area, contact a local Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) office. A list of DEQ offices is available at www.deq.state.ok.us/eclsnew/localOffices.htm.

Improper disposal of household hazardous waste includes pouring it down the drain, on the ground, into storm drains/sewers, or in some cases putting it out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious. Certain types of household hazardous waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems, and pose health hazards to both humans and animals.

Oil-contaminated debris or material tainted by other petroleum products should be segregated and stored in a well-ventilated area. If stored outdoors, household hazardous materials should be covered to keep precipitation from contaminating nearby soil and water.

For discarding all types of waste, the preferred option is disposal at a DEQ-permitted landfill. Contact a local DEQ office for the location of the nearest emergency disposal sites for storm debris. A list of local DEQ offices and landfills can be found at www.deq.state.ok.us/tornado/MunicipalitiesDebrisMgt.pdf

In addition to disposing of household hazardous wastes, it’s also important for residents to clean and disinfect everything touched by floodwaters as quickly as possible. That’s because floodwaters and their sediments may contain chemical and biological contaminants from sources as varied as garden chemicals, heating oil and sewage.

Residents should assume that anything touched by floodwater is contaminated and should be cleaned, disinfected or thrown away. Discard any household goods – such as wall coverings, rugs and furniture – that may be contaminated with mold and other toxins and can’t be disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out.

Businesses that may have been impacted by the storms of May 5 through June 4 and have questions about proper disposal of hazardous waste should contact a local DEQ office.

Oklahomans can find more information by calling their local DEQ office during normal business or checking out the DEQ website at http://www.deq.state.ok.us.

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The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers services to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Carefully Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

Frequently Asked Questions on Letter of Eligibility

Why did I get a letter stating I’m ineligible?

FEMA routinely corresponds with applicants to let them know if they qualify for federal disaster assistance. The most common reasons for receiving a determination of ineligibility are:

Adequate insurance coverage.
Insufficient storm-related damage.
Missing documentation needed to complete the assistance evaluation process.

What are examples of missing documentation?

You may need to provide an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

What should I do if I receive a letter?

Please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) to check the status of your application, update your contact numbers or ask any questions. Users of 711 or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

If instructed and needed, applicants can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

What if my insurance doesn’t cover all my needs?

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs:

If you are unable to live in your home due to disaster damage and your insurance policy does not cover temporary rental assistance, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA.
If your home sustained property damage and you’re still waiting for an insurance settlement payment, you may be eligible for an advance from FEMA.

Why am I being contacted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)?

Residents and business owners may automatically be referred to the SBA for possible low-interest disaster recovery loans to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

You should not wait for your insurance settlement to apply for a low-interest disaster from SBA. In disaster recovery, SBA’s low-interest loans may be the primary source of the federal funds for the long-term repair and replacement of disaster-damaged private property for business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.

What if I find more disaster-related damage?

Explain in your written appeal why you need additional home repair assistance. For instance, if you discover the costs of disaster-related home repairs exceeds your home repair grant, you can appeal the initial determination. To wage an effective appeal, include any supporting documentation, such as repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices. FEMA may send another inspector to your damaged property.

Can I appeal FEMA’s determination of eligibility?

You may appeal any decision made by FEMA. By doing so, you are asking FEMA to review your case. Appeals may relate to your initial eligibility determination, the amount or type of assistance received, the need for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, or other disaster-related decisions.

How do I appeal the decision?

All formal appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of receipt of a letter denying assistance.

What else should I include in my appeal?

To ensure accuracy and help FEMA personnel process your appeal quickly, please include the following information in your letter of appeal:

Your full name
The address of your damaged property
Current contact information
Disaster number: DR-4223-TX
Last four digits of your Social Security number
Your birthdate and place of birth
Your 9-digit FEMA registration number on each page and on supporting documentation
Your letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
You must sign the letter

If someone other than you or the co-applicant is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of your appeal for your records.

Where do I send my appeal letter?

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

By fax:

800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Continued here:

Frequently Asked Questions on Letter of Eligibility

Letter on Eligibility May Not Be Last Word on Disaster Assistance for Texans Affected by Storms, Floods

AUSTIN, Texas – A letter stating a household is ineligible for disaster assistance may not be the final word on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application.

The most common reasons for receiving a determination of ineligibility are:

Adequate insurance coverage.
Insufficient storm-related damage.
Missing documentation needed to complete the assistance evaluation process.

Examples of missing documentation may include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, and proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster. If instructed and needed, applicants can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

“We want to ensure everyone eligible for disaster assistance receives as much help as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related needs. “But remember – grants only cover uninsured or under-insured losses.”

If you receive a letter of ineligibility, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) to check the status of your application, update your contact numbers or ask any questions. Users of 711 or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Applicants ineligible for FEMA grants may still be eligible for other programs, such as disaster unemployment assistance. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to pay for repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Residents and business owners may automatically be referred to the SBA for possible low-interest disaster recovery loans that cover these losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

You should not wait for your insurance settlement to begin an application for a low-interest disaster from SBA. In disaster recovery, SBA’s low-interest loans may be the primary source of the federal funds for the long-term repair and replacement of disaster-damaged private property for business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.

If an applicant has insurance, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, under-insured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

“If you are unable to live in your home due to disaster damage and your insurance policy does not cover temporary rental assistance, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA,” said Hannes. “If you suffered damage and you’re still waiting for an insurance settlement payment, you may be eligible for an advance from FEMA.”

When requesting an increase in a FEMA grant award for home repairs, applicants should submit repair estimates, receipts or invoices to wage an effective appeal.

Applicants may appeal any FEMA decision. By doing so, they are asking FEMA to review their case again. “For instance, if you discover you need more disaster-related home repairs than first projected, you can appeal the initial determination,” said Hannes.

All appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. Applicants should explain why they think the decision is not correct. To ensure accuracy and help FEMA personnel process your appeal quickly, please include the following information in your letter of appeal:

Your full name
The address of your damaged property
Current contact information
Disaster number: DR-4223-TX
Last four digits of your Social Security number
Your birthdate and place of birth
Your 9-digit FEMA registration number on each page and on supporting documentation
Your letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
You must sign the letter

To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked, received by fax, or personally submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center within 60 days of the date on the determination letter.

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

By fax:

800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Applicants may check the status of their applications or update their contact information online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free phone lines remain open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time), seven days a week until further notice.

More information on filing an appeal can be found online at www.disasterassistance.gov or in the Help After a Disaster that FEMA mails to each applicant.

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The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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Letter on Eligibility May Not Be Last Word on Disaster Assistance for Texans Affected by Storms, Floods

Rumors versus Facts About Texas Flood Disaster Assistance

FEMA Registration

RUMOR: Survivors can’t register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.
FACT: Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured and underinsured losses and damage.

RUMOR: When survivors register, they immediately qualify and receive payments from FEMA.
FACT: After survivors register, their completed applications are reviewed, and an inspector may call to schedule an inspection at their home. If survivors are eligible for assistance, they should receive a U.S. Treasury/State check or notification of a direct deposit to their bank accounts. Other types of assistance may be provided later, based on specific eligibility and need.

RUMOR: Survivors can’t register if their county isn’t listed in the Presidential declaration.
FACT: If Texans had storm-related damages or losses, please register! Other counties may be designated for assistance as floodwaters recede and damage assessments are completed. Please call toll-free 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 to register.

FEMA Disaster Assistance

RUMOR: It takes a long time for disaster aid to reach survivors.
FACT: FEMA already has Individual Assistance specialists on the ground in Texas and some survivors already have received grants. Specialists will continue to process assistance for eligible survivors as applications are received.

RUMOR: If survivors receive FEMA assistance, it could reduce their Social Security benefits.
FACT: Disaster assistance does not count as income. FEMA assistance will not affect Social Security or other federal benefits.

Disaster Assistance for Noncitizens

RUMOR: Federal assistance is available only to U.S. citizens.
FACT: Storm survivors who are in the United States legally, but who are not U.S. citizens, may be eligible for disaster assistance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals or qualified aliens to receive federal monetary assistance. The legal status of qualified aliens will not be jeopardized by applying for aid.

Disaster assistance also may be available to a household if a parent or guardian who is not eligible for assistance applies on behalf of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. The guardian only certifies for the child.

Additionally, low-interest disaster assistance loans for noncitizen-owned businesses of all sizes (including landlords), homeowners and renters may be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Renters

RUMOR: Renters can’t get FEMA aid.
FACT: Renters in designated counties whose homes were made unlivable by a disaster may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants to help pay for rent and other serious disaster-related needs.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

RUMOR: Only businesses can get low-interest disaster loans from SBA.
FACT: SBA low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners and renters, as well as businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations, for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

FEMA Inspectors

RUMOR: It takes weeks before a FEMA housing inspector visits.
FACT: On this recovery operation, it is taking between one and two days for an inspector to call and schedule a property inspection.

Debris Removal

RUMOR: The county will charge individuals if they don’t have debris removed in a week.
FACT: Debris removal guidelines vary by location. For accurate information about what’s happening in your area, contact your county or city offices.

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The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Source article:

Rumors versus Facts About Texas Flood Disaster Assistance

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