Disaster Assistance Is for Georgia Renters, Too

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Renters in 10 Georgia counties where homes and property were damaged by Hurricane Matthew may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing not covered by insurance. These rental grants are initially for two months.

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties. Damage or losses from Hurricane Matthew must have occurred Oct. 4-15.

Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help Georgia renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Loan terms can be as long as 30 years, and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

Both renters and homeowners may qualify for grants for other disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs such as clothing, child care, room furnishings and appliances, medical and dental costs, vehicles and moving and storage expenses. Eligibility for some grants requires first submitting an SBA loan application.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process that ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the SBA disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the SBA loan application, if one is offered.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. Insurance is a property owner’s first line of defense. Most homeowner’s policies will cover wind damage; only a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program covers flood-related losses. Those who suffered damage may need to file claims under both the flood insurance policy and FEMA disaster assistance, which may be available to cover uninsured or underinsured losses.

For more information about SBA disaster loans, call SBA’s disaster assistance customer service center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit sba.gov/disaster. TTY users can call 800-877-8339.  Applicants may also apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284. 

# # #

Continued here:

Disaster Assistance Is for Georgia Renters, Too

Voluntary Organizations Assisting in North Carolina’s Recovery

RALEIGH,  NC — Disaster survivors who sustained losses from Hurricane Matthew and the flooding that followed are receiving help from many nonprofit and faith-based organizations in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Baptist Men’s Ministry Disaster Relief, United Methodists, Catholic Charities, Mennonite Disaster Service, the United Way, the American Red Cross, and dozens of other organizations are providing assistance to survivors who have unmet needs as a result of the disaster. Voluntary organizations provide a wide range of assistance to disaster survivors, including flood debris clean-up, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, home repairs and reconstruction.

“The recovery from Hurricane Matthew is far from over,” said Mike Sprayberry, North Carolina’s Emergency Management director. “Volunteer organizations are a crucial part in helping people recover. Because there is much work left to be done, I encourage anyone who is able to volunteer with these organizations to please do so.”

The organizations belong to the North Carolina chapter of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD), a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission and provide a forum where organizations can share knowledge and resources throughout the entire disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery.

 “After a disaster, the whole community participates in the recovery process, and these voluntary organizations play a vital role in the effort,” said Libby Turner, federal coordinating officer for the recovery operation in North Carolina. “FEMA is working hard in supporting our state partners at North Carolina Emergency Management to provide assistance to survivors, but there are many additional needs that can be met by these organizations.”

FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) assist these voluntary, faith-based and community organizations with federal programs, deadlines, coordination of effort and donation management. They also identify special-needs populations and help applicants avoid duplication of benefits. In addition, liaisons educate, guide and promote long-term recovery in affected communities to bring back a sense of normalcy to the residents.

In some instances, donated resources by voluntary organizations can help reduce municipal costs in disaster recovery. If emergency work is organized by an eligible Public Assistance program applicant, such as a local or tribal government, and proper documentation is submitted, those costs may qualify for an offset to its share under the FEMA Public Assistance Donated Resources Program

Examples of eligible work include, but are not limited to: removing eligible debris, filling and placing sandbags, donating equipment and materials for use in emergency response. Search and rescue, when part of organized response operations, and mass care and sheltering of disaster survivors are also eligible.

Disaster survivors in North Carolina can call 2-1-1 or log-on at nc211.org to find available services in their community. North Carolinians who want to know more about the work of the national and local volunteer organizations should visit nvoad.org or ncvoad.org/cms/.

Registering with FEMA is a separate process from registering with a volunteer organization. Residents who experienced losses from Hurricane Matthew should register with FEMA as soon as possible. They can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. Applicants may also register using the FEMA Mobile App. Registration ends on Dec. 9, 2016.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4285  and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

###

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations 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 organizations or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Originally posted here: 

Voluntary Organizations Assisting in North Carolina’s Recovery

Thirteen NC Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance Grants

RALEIGH, N.C. – Thirteen counties are eligible for additional FEMA Public Assistance grants for permanent repair and replacement of disaster-damaged infrastructure resulting from Hurricane Matthew.

The counties are Anson, Bladen, Chatham, Cumberland, Franklin, Halifax, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Richmond, Scotland and Wake. All of the counties except Franklin had previously been approved for Categories A and B (debris removal and emergency protective measures). Franklin was added for all categories this week.

The additional eligibility is for categories C through G, which includes permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Damage assessments continue in North Carolina to determine eligibility for the Public Assistance Program.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

###

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

See original article: 

Thirteen NC Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance Grants

Federal Disaster Assistance Includes the Right to Appeal

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Georgia disaster survivors have the right to appeal a FEMA decision about what assistance they are eligible to receive. They can question the amount or type of help FEMA provided or any other decision about federal disaster assistance.
 

To submit an appeal, survivors should explain in writing why they disagree with the FEMA decision and be specific.

 

There are many reasons for denial of assistance but the simplest could be: An applicant did not submit all the necessary documents to support the claim including, for instance, an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property or contractor’s estimate for repairs not covered.
 

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties. Damage or losses from Hurricane Matthew must have occurred Oct. 4-15.
 

Applicants from the 10 eligible counties have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s decision letter to file an appeal. The appeal letter should include:
 

·       Applicant’s full name

·       Date and place of birth

·       Address

·       Supporting documents
 

The letter should be notarized and include a copy of a state-issued identification card or the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”

 

The letter must be signed by the applicant, dated and mailed to:

FEMA

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

 

Letters may also be faxed to 800-827-8112 with a cover sheet marked: Attention – FEMA or uploaded to the applicant’s account on DisasterAssistance.gov.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284. 

# # #

Original link:

Federal Disaster Assistance Includes the Right to Appeal

Do Not Let Misinformation Keep You from Registering for Disaster Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. — Thousands of North Carolinians registered for disaster assistance since Hurricane Matthew struck the state Oct. 4, and thousands more may still be eligible.

Some survivors don’t register for assistance for a variety reasons, including misunderstandings, rumors and misconceptions and therefore miss out on financial and other disaster assistance. 

If you haven’t yet registered and are a homeowner, renter or business owner with disaster-related damage in a designated county, do not let misinformation keep you from registering. Do it now before it’s too late.

FEMA and the State works closely with other state and federal partners, the private sector, faith-based and voluntary agencies to help match survivors with avenues of assistance. No one is denied disaster assistance because of someone else’s need and most programs are not dependent on income.

Two common misconceptions regarding registering with FEMA are:

  1. Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations registers you for FEMA disaster assistance.  It does not.
  2. Having FEMA flood insurance registers you for disaster assistance. It does not. It also does not disqualify you from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately and you may find that you had uninsured losses.

If you haven’t registered because English is not your first language, don’t let that stop you.  If you or someone you know needs language assistance, FEMA has interpreters who speak many languages. Translators are available and can help you in the registration process.

Also know that you may apply if you are a non-citizen national with a Social Security number or a qualified alien who holds permanent residency, refugee, or asylum status. If you are the parent of a U.S. citizen in your household, you may apply for federal disaster assistance on behalf of your child.

If you are a renter and haven’t registered, know that you too may be eligible for federal disaster assistance and referrals to state agencies that may be able to help.

As an applicant, your information is confidential. FEMA does not share your information with other agencies unless you want us to do so.

FEMA, NCEM and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer a variety of programs to help in your recovery. FEMA assistance will not affect your government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and you will not pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in your Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

The following are commonly asked questions and responses with accurate information about federal and state disaster programs and services:

  • I have insurance. Am I still eligible for help? Possibly. FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, but you may be eligible for help with losses not covered or with damage in excess of your coverage.
  • I am waiting for my insurance adjuster. Can I still apply for disaster assistance? Yes. Don’t wait for an adjuster before applying for aid or making necessary repairs to make your house livable, but do check with your local building officials for permitting, right of entrance or any other local issues before starting, and be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work because you may qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by insurance. And, you will want to keep FEMA informed of your settlement status and provide any updated insurance documentation, including a settlement if you received it.
  • I received help from the Red Cross and other organizations immediately after the disaster. Can I still get help from FEMA or the state? Yes.
  • If I gave information to my emergency manager, called 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross, must I still register with FEMA? Yes. To be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply with FEMA. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, you would call 800-462-7585. You also can download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.
  • I don’t own a business. Why should I apply for a loan from the SBA? Next to insurance, SBA is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs. Returning the completed application also may enable you to qualify for additional FEMA disaster recovery assistance programs for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. If SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be considered for assistance from other organizations. There is no requirement to take out a loan if one is offered from SBA.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency. You also can personally visit one of the many Disaster Recovery Centers.  To locate a DRC nearest you, can call the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362, for TTY it is 800-462-7585, download the FEMA mobile app or go online to Fema.gov/drc or NCDPS.gov.

# # #

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

###

See the original post – 

Do Not Let Misinformation Keep You from Registering for Disaster Assistance

FEMA/State DRC Opens for Three Days in Jones County

RALEIGH, N.C. – To reach North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew in Jones County, a joint FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Center is open to provide a place where you can get information about available state and federal assistance and other recovery information. The center is in Trenton, Saturday, Nov.5, Monday, Nov.7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8.

 

Location:                 USDA Farm Services Agency Office

110 S. Market Street

Trenton, NC 28585

 

 Hours of Operation:            Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                                                Monday,  Nov. 7, from noon to 6 p.m.

Tuesday,  Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Recovery specialists from FEMA, NCEM and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to speak with you face-to-face to answer questions you may have regarding the disaster assistance process, other assistance available and even help you register if you haven’t already. If you have registered, they can provide you with an update of your application status and if needed, discuss the appeal process.

FEMA and the state have recovery centers open throughout the disaster-affected counties in North Carolina. To locate the center nearest to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA or Readync mobile apps. If you have access to a computer, you can go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

###

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Visit link: 

FEMA/State DRC Opens for Three Days in Jones County

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Seminole County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Sanford to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions.

The center is located outside the:

Museum of Seminole County History

Adjacent parking lot

                              300 Bush Blvd.

          Sanford, FL 32773

          Open Monday – Saturday

          9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

          Closed Sunday

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers. Survivors can also visit open DRCs in other counties.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at DRCs are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a DRC may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at

800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Source:  

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Seminole County for Hurricane Matthew

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Fernandina Beach to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions. Survivors can visit any open DRC for assistance, even if they live in another county.

The center is located at:

                     Peck Center

                     516 South 10th Street

                     Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may ask DRC staff or call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at  800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Excerpt from:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center on the Move in Dare County

RALEIGH, N.C. – To reach North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew in Dare County,  FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are moving throughout the county to provide more locations where you can get information about available state and federal assistance. The DRC will be in Kill Devil Hills, Tuesday, Nov. 8 through Thursday, Nov. 10.

Kill Devil Hills Location:    North Parking Lot

                                             KDH Fire Station

                                             1634 N. Croatan Highway

                                             Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

 

The DRC will then move to Manteo for: Saturday, Nov. 12, Monday, Nov. 14 and Tuesday,

Nov. 15. It will be closed Sunday.

 

Manteo Location:                 Dare County Office

        954 Marshall C Collins Drive

                 Manteo, NC 27954

 

Regular hours:                      9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DRCs are staffed with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can receive help applying for federal disaster assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and obtain updates regarding your application. 

FEMA and the state have recovery centers open throughout the disaster-affected counties in North Carolina. To locate the center nearest to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA or Readync mobile apps. If you have access to a computer, you can go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

###

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations 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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Original post – 

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center on the Move in Dare County

Disaster Aid Doesn’t Affect Government Benefits

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, Nov. 2) – With the start of a new month you may wonder if the disaster assistance you received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reduce your Social Security checks or other benefits, or raise your income tax bill.

No need to worry!  Federal disaster assistance does not count as income. Social Security payments or Medicare benefits are not affected by disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations. And, disaster recovery grants will not affect anyone’s eligibility for welfare assistance, Medicaid, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Grants for disaster recovery assistance are not counted as income in determining eligibility for any income-tested benefit program that the U.S. government funds.

Likewise, eligibility for FEMA assistance is not dependent on income. The amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damage incurred as a direct result of the storms and floods from Hurricane Matthew.

Survivors of Hurricane Matthew have until December 13 to register with FEMA for disaster assistance by one of the following methods:

  • Call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).  Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and multilingual operators are available.
  • Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the one nearest you, check “Quick Links” at  DisasterAssistance.gov.  DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation.  Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

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 us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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.

See original: 

Disaster Aid Doesn’t Affect Government Benefits

 Page 1 of 4  1  2  3  4 »