How to Replace Documents Lost in a Disaster

How to Replace Documents Lost in a Disaster

Main Content

Release date:

December 4, 2012

Release Number:

NR-073

NEW YORK – One of the dire consequences of any disaster for many people is the loss of important documents. Often, such documents are needed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency services in order to process assistance applications for those who suffered losses or damage to their homes and belongings.

If papers are gone – like birth certificates, Social Security cards, drivers’ licenses, tax records, etc. – New York state and FEMA are advising residents on how to recover them:

  • Birth certificates: If you were born within the confines of the five boroughs of New York City, visit or write to the Office of Vital Records, 125 Worth Street, Room 133, New York, N.Y. 10013. (A photo ID is required both by mail and in person.) The office advises the fastest way to get records is online at www.nyc.gov/vitalrecords. The phone number is (212) 788-4520.
  • If you were born in New York state outside of New York City, log onto www.vitalchek.com  or phone 877-854-4481. This will connect you to a company called VitalChek, which is contracted with the state to handle credit-card orders. There are modest fees involved.
     
  • Drivers’ licenses: Visit any New York Department of Motor Vehicles office. To find an office nearby, log onto www.dmv.ny.gov/index.htm and click on “Replace License or ID.”
     
  • Social Security cards: Call the U.S. Social Security office at 800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. For TTY users the number is 800-325-0778, or log onto www.ssa.gov/ssnumber for more information.
     
  • Federal tax records: Call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, or log onto www.irs.gov.
     
  • New York state tax records: For copies of returns, log onto www.tax.ny.gov/help/contact/how_to_reach.htm. Click on “Get a copy of my return” and fill in the application. You can also apply for a tax-filing and payment extension for those directly affected by Hurricane Sandy at this site.
     
  • For copies of your utility bills, bank records, insurance policies, mortgage payments and the like, call the appropriate firm and speak to a customer-service representative.

To prevent further loss of vital documents, place the originals or copies in a sealable plastic bag or other watertight container and secure that container where it is best protected and can easily be located. It is also a good idea to make copies of vital and important documents and mail them to a friend or relative you can trust to keep them safe and retrievable.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Last Updated:

December 4, 2012 – 14:05

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

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How to Replace Documents Lost in a Disaster

Register With FEMA While Waiting for an Insurance Settlement

NEW YORK – Disaster assistance may cover damages that insurance doesn’t. That is why individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy are urged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to apply for assistance even if they have insurance.

Apply for FEMA assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Register by phone by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
 
Keep in mind that you need to file your insurance claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim may affect a policyholder’s eligibility for disaster assistance.

After filing a claim, if any of the following situations occur, FEMA may be able to provide some assistance:

Your insurance settlement is delayed.

  • “Delayed” means a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim.
  • If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed, you will need to mail or fax a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. Mail or fax your letter to:
  • FEMA IHP
    National Processing Service Center
    PO Box 10055
    Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Fax: 1-800-827-8112

  • You should include documentation from the insurance company proving that you filed the claim.
  • If you filed your claim over the telephone, you should include the claim number, date when you applied, and the estimated time of how long it will take to receive your settlement.
  • If you receive FEMA assistance and you later find that your insurance will cover what your FEMA assistance was for, then you must return that money to FEMA because it is considered a duplicate benefit.

You have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provided by your insurance company.

  • If you have received the maximum settlement from your insurance for Additional Living Expenses and still need help with your disaster-related temporary housing need, mail or fax a letter to FEMA at the above address indicating why you continue to have a temporary housing need.
  • You will also need to provide documentation to prove use of ALE from insurance, and a permanent housing plan.

You have up to 12 months from the date of registration with FEMA to submit insurance information for review.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog

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Register With FEMA While Waiting for an Insurance Settlement

R.I. Disaster Recovery Centers Add Services

WARWICK, R.I. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training have added new services to the Disaster Recovery Centers to help Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy. These include American Sign Language Interpreters and specialists who can help with applications for disaster unemployment insurance.

As part of its mission to provide equal access to all disaster survivors, FEMA worked with the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to bring American Sign Language interpreters to Disaster Recovery Centers. They will be at the Centers in Westerly and Middletown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, December 6.

Other means FEMA uses to enhance access at the Centers include making written materials available with large print or in Braille; offering amplified phones, video relay services and other assistive technology by request; assisting with completion of paperwork and providing physical access to facilities.

To assist with claims for unemployment insurance from anyone who lost work as a result of the disaster, specialists from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training will be at the center in Middletown from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and in Westerly from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday 

The Rhode Island Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.  Locations are

  • Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, R.I.
  • Middletown Police Station (Community Room), 123 Valley Road, Middletown, R.I.

Rhode Islanders who lost income because of Hurricane Sandy, but are not eligible for the state’s regular unemployment benefits program, may qualify for disaster unemployment insurance if they reside in Newport or Washington counties. Also, people who could not travel to their jobs in Washington or Newport counties because of storm-related transportation disruption may be eligible. 

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register for DUA. A claim can be made by filing online for regular unemployment insurance at www.dlt.ri.gov, with a statement that the reason for the unemployment is due to Hurricane Sandy.  However, a visit to a Disaster Recovery Center when a specialist is available offers the opportunity for immediate in-person answers to questions and assistance with the process.

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.

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 temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, 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.

 

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R.I. Disaster Recovery Centers Add Services

Sandy Survivors: Ask Questions About Letters From Fema

Trenton, N.J. — Survivors who received letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after contacting FEMA for assistance should ask for help if they have questions.

FEMA sends every applicant a letter explaining the status of their application.

Sometimes a letter from FEMA indicates a status of ineligibility. This may simply mean that more information or documents are needed to better help FEMA process your application. Eligibility statuses can change when new information is provided. Survivors may need to:

  • Provide records that showed the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Give their insurance or other documentation to FEMA.
  • Provide proof of ownership or residence.
  • Return the Small Business Administration disaster loan application.
  • Sign all essential documents.

FEMA cannot duplicate any aid that may have come from other government sources or insurance.

Answers to questions about the letter can be found by:

  • Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you, use the online locator at www.fema.gov/drc. You may also text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) For example, if you lived in Atlantic City, you would text: DRC 08401.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline by phone or 711/VRS at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-7585.
  • Reviewing the “Help After Disaster” guide mailed to each applicant. The information also is available online in many languages at http://www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster

Don’t be discouraged: read the letter, ask questions, and ask for help.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

 

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Sandy Survivors: Ask Questions About Letters From Fema

Groton Disaster Recovery Center to Close

WINDSOR, Conn. – The FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Center at the Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton, will close at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Help is still available for residents with damage from Hurricane Sandy.  Register online or through the FEMA Helpline call center. The deadline to register is Dec. 31.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to

finish to reach the multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

Homeowners or renters who suffered damages in counties designated for disaster assistance can visit any of the other Disaster Recovery Centers. For the location of the nearest center, go to: http://go.usa.gov/g2Td.

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.

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

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.

 

Read this article – 

Groton Disaster Recovery Center to Close

Three New Recovery Centers Open In Hudson, Middlesex, And Union Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Hudson, Middlesex, and Union counties if they have questions about recovery programs. The new DRCs are located in:

Hudson County:

Bayonne City Museum, 229 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Two other DRCs are open in Hudson County at the Jersey City Museum and next to the Office Depot at 59 Washington St. in Hoboken.

Middlesex County:

Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

A second DRC is open in Middlesex County at the Sayreville Senior Center.

Union County:

Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St., Linden, NJ 07036

Two other DRCs are open in Union County at the Chisholm School Community Center,

100 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield, NJ  07081 (scheduled to close Dec. 1),                                                                                                          and the Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center, 400 East Front St., Plainfield, NJ 07060.

There are now 34 DRCs open in New Jersey. All are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for the center in Bay Head which opens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the curfew remains in effect.   

Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on previous applications by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

DRCs allow residents to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers. These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

It is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned. It can be accessed nationally.

DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative is to go to www.fema.gov and search for DRC locator.

DRCs in New Jersey are located in:

Atlantic County

Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd., Room 201, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Hamilton Mall, 4403 Blackhorse Pike (Route 322), NJ 08330

 

Bergen County

Bergen County Plaza, 1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor, Hackensack, N.J. 07652

 

Burlington County: Rotating Center

Burlington Center Mall, 2501 Burlington-Mount Holly Road, Suite 215, Burlington, NJ 08016

DATES: Thurs., Nov., 29 to Sat., Dec. 1 and Mon., Dec. 10 to Wed., Dec. 12

  

Cape May County

Cape May Courthouse Public Library, 30 Mechanics St, Cape May, N.J. 08226

Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City, N.J. 08210

 

Cumberland County: Rotating Center

Emergency Management Office, 637 Bridgeton Ave., Bridgeton, N.J. 08302

DATES: Mon., Nov. 26 to Wed., Nov. 28 and Thurs., Dec. 6 to Sat., Dec. 8

 

Essex County

Willing Heart Community Care Center, 555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark, NJ 07103

 

Gloucester County: Rotating Center

Government Services Building, 1200 N. Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312

DATES: Thurs., Nov., 29 to Sat., Dec. 1 and Mon., Dec. 10 to Wed., Dec. 12

 

Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot, 59 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ 07030

Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302

Bayonne City Museum, 229 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

  

Mercer County: Rotating Center

Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550

DATES: Mon., Nov. 26 to Wed., Nov. 28 and Thurs., Dec. 6 to Sat., Dec. 8

 

Middlesex County

Sayreville Senior Center, 423 Main St., Sayreville, NJ 08872

Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

 

Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Bldg., 601 Main St., Belmar, NJ 07719

Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737

Long Branch Fire Station #4, 199-205 Union Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740

Union Beach Municipal Building, 650 Poole Ave., Union Beach, NJ 07735

 

Morris County: Rotating Center

Morris Plains Community Center, 51 Jim Fear Drive, Morris Plains, NJ  07950

DATES: Mon., Nov. 26 to Wed., Nov. 28 and Thurs., Dec. 6 to Sat., Dec. 8

 

Ocean County

Bay Head Fire Station #1, 81 Bridge Ave., Bay Head, NJ 08742

HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice

 

Ocean County

Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C, 953 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08753

Brick Township Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ 08723

Harvey Cedars Bible Conference Center, 12 Cedars Ave., Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008

Little Egg Harbor Senior Center, 641 Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08087

Old Township Bldg., 775 East Bay Ave., Stafford, NJ 08050

 

Passaic County

Passaic County Department of Health, 317 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503

 

Salem County: Rotating Center

Penns Grove EMS Bldg., 25 East Griffin St., Penns Grove, NJ 08069

DATES: Mon., Dec. 3 to Wed., Dec. 5 and Thurs., Dec. 13 to Sat., Dec. 15

 

Somerset County: Rotating Center

Somerset County Human Services, 27 Warren St., Somerville, NJ 08876

DATES: Mon., Dec. 3 to Wed., Dec. 5 and Thurs., Dec. 13 to Sat., Dec. 15

 

Sussex County: Rotating Center

Sussex County Community College, 1 College Hill Road, Newton, NJ 07860

DATES: Mon., Dec. 3 to Wed., Dec. 5 and Thurs., Dec. 13 to Sat., Dec. 15

 

Union County

Chisholm School Community Center, 100 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield, NJ  07081

(scheduled to close 12/1)

Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center, 400 East Front St., Plainfield, NJ 07060

Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St. in Linden, NJ 07036.

 

Warren County: Rotating Center

Franklin Township Municipal Bldg., 2093 Route 57, Broadway, NJ 08808

DATES: Thurs., Nov. 29 to Sat., Dec. 1 and Mon., Dec. 10 to Wed., Dec. 12

 

SBA customer service representatives are available for one-on-one consultation with business owners who are seeking assistance in applying for low-interest disaster loans for business losses caused by Hurricane Sandy.

 

Atlantic County

Richard Stockton College, Small Business Development Center, 35 South Martin Luther King Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Bergen County

Bergen Community College, Small Business  Development Center, 355 Main St., Room 121, Hackensack, NJ 07601

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Cape May County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce 13 Crest Haven Road, Cape May, NJ 08210

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Essex County

Rutgers University, Small Business Development Center, 25 James St., Newark, NJ 07102

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Hudson County

Small Business Development Center, New Jersey City University, 285 West Side Ave., Suites 189-191, Jersey City, NJ 07305

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Middlesex County

John F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854

HOURS: Mon-Sat.10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

               Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Monmouth County

Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Bankier Library, Rm. 246 (SBDC), Lincroft, NJ 07738

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Ocean County

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Heritage Park Train Station

(Across from Manahawkin Lake Between RT 9 and RT 72), West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050

HOURS: Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Passaic County

William Paterson University, Small Business Development Center, 131 Ellison St.,Paterson, NJ 07505

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Union County

Kean University – SBDC, Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator, 320 Park Ave., Plainfield, NJ 07060

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Renters, homeowners and businesses that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit a center. They can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

Read More: 

Three New Recovery Centers Open In Hudson, Middlesex, And Union Counties

Last Chance To Visit Four Disaster Recovery Centers

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, to visit four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Nassau and Suffolk counties.  

Cumulatively, the centers have provided one-on-one information and assistance to more than 4,370 storm survivors since they opened in early November.  Their locations and hours of operation are:

Nassau County

Nassau Community College
Student Union Building
1 Education Drive
Garden City, NY 11530
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

New Cassel Community Center Garden
141 Garden St.
Westbury, NY 11590
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

Suffolk County

H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

Riverhead County Center
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

In addition to those centers, Hurricane Sandy survivors can visit any of about 30 other DRCs throughout New York.

The State of New York and Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows at a certain time, a center may change its hours or come under consideration for possible closure.  

Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get face-to-face help as quickly as possible. More may become available as sites are identified and approved. Conditions at individual locations may vary and affect opening times.

To find the center nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Other help is available from roughly 1,000 FEMA community relations personnel who are blanketing damaged neighborhoods door to door, delivering information vital to recovery and encouraging residents to register for assistance when needed. These personnel can help refer survivors to the proper resources for any unmet disaster needs, but they do not assess or document damage. FEMA inspectors will contact survivors directly after they have registered.

Help also can be obtained by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. 
If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Last Chance To Visit Four Disaster Recovery Centers

A ‘No’ from SBA May Open Doors to More Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. – Some survivors of Hurricane Sandy are discovering that getting turned down for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration may lead to other forms of assistance.

“In most cases, referral to these resources is automatic if SBA rejects your loan application,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “But applicants who don’t return their applications to SBA close the door on these resources.”

Many survivors receive a loan package from SBA after they register for assistance with FEMA. While SBA’s low-interest disaster loans represent the major source of federal funding for recovery, the application itself may open the door to other grant programs. People who do not qualify for a loan may be eligible for grants from FEMA.

Federal grants cover necessary expenses and serious needs, including:

  • Disaster-related medical and dental expenses
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses
  • Disaster-related car repair expenses
  • Clothing and household items, such as room furnishings and appliances
  • Tools required for work
  • Computers and schoolbooks required for education
  • Oil and gas for heating furnaces
  • Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster

The deadline to complete an SBA application for a low-interest disaster loan is Dec. 31.

The SBA offers online applications through its Electronic Loan Application site at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. Survivors can call the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or visit the SBA’s website at www.SBA.gov/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.

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

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.

View post: 

A ‘No’ from SBA May Open Doors to More Assistance

SBA Loans Help Homeowners and Renters, Not Just Business

NEW YORK — Don’t let the word “business” in the name U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) fool you. If you are a homeowner or renter, the SBA is a primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery.

The SBA’s low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 can help qualified homeowners repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, renters and homeowners may get up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. In both cases, these SBA loans are only for damages not covered by your insurance.

After you register for federal assistance, you may receive a letter in the mail with an SBA return address. Open it and complete the forms inside. It’s a critical step in the recovery process. Whether or not you want a low-interest loan, if you do not return your SBA application, you may miss out on other assistance from FEMA.

You must return the SBA application to be considered for FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. You do not need to repay these grants.

You do not need to return the application to be considered for eligibility for temporary housing assistance, and grants for public transportation, medical, dental or burial expenses.

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 18 SBA business recovery centers. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. You may also text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Staten Island, you would text: “DRC 10301.” If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.)

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

ATLANTA – Today marks the end of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, but disasters aren’t limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year.  Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and it’s important to be prepared year round.

“While today is the end of an active hurricane season, it serves as an important reminder of just how critical it is for all of us to be prepared so that we can protect our families, homes, businesses and communities from the potentially devastating effects of a disaster,” said Phil May, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV Administrator. “There are some simple steps we should all take, such as make a family communications plan and put together a disaster supplies kit, which will help keep us safe when we’re faced with an emergency.”

Emergencies can range from natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes, to events such as power outages. Visit www.Ready.gov to learn about different hazards, and how to prepare for them.

Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

  • Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime–be informed about the hazards that exist in your area.
  • When tailoring your family communications plan, consider working with others to create networks of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers who will assist each other in an emergency.
  • Among the items in your basic disaster supplies kit, include enough food for at least three days, and one gallon of water per person per day.
  • Since you can’t predict where you will be for disasters, it’s important to have plans and supplies for the locations you and your household go to regularly.
  • Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, but standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. To protect your property, consider getting flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
  • Check out opportunities to get involved  in programs and activities to make your family, home and community safer from risks and threats. 

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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Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

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