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Fifth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Release date:

November 26, 2013

Release Number:

NR-102

DENVER – At the state’s request, FEMA has approved a fifth extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. TSA pays for eligible flood evacuees to stay in participating hotels and motels.

Individuals and families who are still being assessed regarding their housing needs may continue to be eligible for TSA through Dec. 14 (checkout Dec. 15). The previous checkout date was Dec. 1.

TSA allows eligible individuals and families to stay temporarily in participating hotels, with FEMA and the state paying for eligible room costs and taxes.

A personal phone call notifies applicants if they are eligible for this period of assistance ending Dec. 14.
A total of 23 households stayed in hotels and motels last night under TSA.
Individuals and families who are not eligible for the program may be considered for additional FEMA rental assistance.
Applicants may need to provide rental agreement information.

For questions, contact the FEMA helpline by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MST, seven days a week. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call

800-621-3362.

Last Updated:

November 26, 2013 – 17:15

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

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Fifth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Fourth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

DENVER – At the state’s request, FEMA has approved a fourth extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which pays for eligible flood evacuees to stay in participating hotels and motels.

Individuals and families who are still being assessed regarding their housing needs may continue to be eligible for TSA through Nov. 30 (checkout Dec. 1). The previous checkout date was Nov. 17.

TSA allows eligible individuals and families to stay temporarily in participating hotels, with FEMA and the state picking up the bill for eligible room costs and taxes.
An automated phone message notifies applicants if they are eligible for this period of assistance ending Nov. 30.

A total of 140 households stayed in hotels and motels last night under TSA.

Individuals and families who are not eligible for the program may be considered for additional FEMA rental assistance.

Applicants may need to provide rental agreement information.

For questions, contact the FEMA helpline by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MDT, seven days a week. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

Taken from:

Fourth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

A New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in El Paso County

DENVER – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Colorado Springs will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., MDT, for five days beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5, and closing Saturday, Nov. 9.

Colorado residents who suffered losses and damages as a result of the severe storms and flooding can get face-to-face disaster information at this DRC:

EL PASO COUNTY

Security Fire Department

400 Security Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80911

All DRCs are operated by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management and the FEMA in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), county and local governments.

Representatives from FEMA and the SBA are among the agencies represented at each DRC to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.

Survivors with disaster losses will save time by registering with FEMA before going to a DRC.

Register with FEMA by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MDT, seven days a week. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA Helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

Register online: DisasterAssistance.gov or by Web-enabled device, tablet or smartphone: type m.fema.gov in the browser.

For individuals who have hearing and visual disabilities or are deaf, DRCs can provide accommodations such as:

• Captioned telephones, which transcribe spoken words into text
• The booklet “Help After a Disaster” in large print and Braille
• American Sign Language interpreters available upon request
• Magnifiers and assistive listening devices
• 711-Relay or Video Relay Services

For more information on the Colorado disaster operation, visit fema.gov/disaster/4145.

Source –

A New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in El Paso County

Third Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

DENVER – At the state’s request, FEMA has approved a third extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which pays for eligible flood evacuees to stay in participating hotels and motels.

Individuals and families who are still being assessed regarding their housing needs may continue to be eligible for TSA through Nov. 16 (checkout Nov. 17). The previous checkout date was Nov. 3.

TSA allows eligible individuals and families to stay temporarily in participating hotels, with FEMA and the state picking up the bill for eligible room costs and taxes.

Survivors may no longer have a need for TSA if their home is inspected and is found to be functional, accessible and has power.

An automated phone message notifies applicants if they are eligible for this period of assistance ending Nov. 16.

Individuals and families who are not eligible for the program may be considered for additional FEMA rental assistance.

Applicants may need to provide rental agreement information.

A total of 379 households stayed in hotels and motels last night under TSA.

See the article here:

Third Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Four Steps to Appeal Your Flood Insurance Claim

DENVER – As the November 14 deadline draws near for filing flood damage claims, survivors may have questions or need additional information regarding any determination their insurer might make regarding their claim.

If an insurer sends a written denial of the claim or part of a claim, an owner can appeal this determination. To file an appeal, follow these four steps:

Talk with the adjuster first regarding any questions about the claim.
If a satisfactory resolution isn’t reached, get contact information for the adjuster’s supervisor.
If the adjuster’s supervisor can’t resolve the issues, contact the insurance company’s claim representative. Ask the insurance agent or company representative for assistance.
If questions or concerns remain after steps one through three are completed, send a written letter to FEMA within 60 days from the date the denial letter was received from the flood insurer. Address this letter to:

FEMA

Mitigation Directorate

Federal Insurance Administration

1800 South Bell Street

Arlington, VA 20598-3010

The letter should be written by the person named on the NFIP policy or by their legal representative. If someone other than the policy owner writes the letter, clearly identify the relationship to the insured.

The letter of appeal must contain the following six items:

Policy Number as shown on the NFIP policy declarations page
Policyholder’s name as shown on the NFIP policy declarations page
Property address as shown on the NFIP policy declarations page (not a mailing address)
Contact information—where and how the policyholder can be reached
Complete details of the concerns
Dates of contact and contact details for the person(s) spoken with in steps one through three

Documentation of everything that supports the appeal should also be included, including a copy of the insurer’s written denial and a statement of the basis of the appeal. (Keep originals, send only copies.)

Examples of the kinds of documentation that FEMA requires can be found in the FEMA Flood Insurance Claims Handbook and downloaded at: http://tinyurl.com/pp8vz4l

Register with FEMA by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MDT, seven days a week; or online: DisasterAssistance.gov. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

Original link:

Four Steps to Appeal Your Flood Insurance Claim

NFIP Proof of Loss Claims Due By Nov. 14

DENVER—National Flood Insurance policyholders whose homes or other structures were damaged by flooding have until November 14, 2013, to file claims for their losses.

A Proof of Loss form includes detailed estimates of the cost to replace or repair damaged property.

Proof of loss substantiates the damage claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can make payment. File damage claims with your NFIP insurance company and work with your adjuster to get the proof of loss forms.

If owners notice additional damage to buildings or property, they can file supplemental claims. To do this, immediately notify the insurance adjuster, document the newly discovered damage, then repeat the documentation and filing process used on the original claim. Owners are urged to keep a copy of this packet.

Policy owners who would like to speak to someone in person regarding their claim are urged to go to their local Disaster Recovery Center where staff members are available to provide assistance. To find the DRC closest to you, go to fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers

For more information about flood insurance, go to floodsmart.gov

Register with FEMA by phone: 800-621-3362 or online at: DisasterAssistance.gov. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

View article –

NFIP Proof of Loss Claims Due By Nov. 14

SBA’s Colorado Disaster Loans Pass $42 million

DENVER – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has now approved more than $42 million in disaster loans to Colorado homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations.

Approved loan totals in some of the most impacted areas are currently over $27 million in Boulder County, $4.9 million in Larimer County and $6 million in Weld County.

The more than $42 million approved so far to survivors with losses from Colorado storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides breaks down this way:

$37.5 million in loans to repair and rebuild homes
$4.8 million in business and economic injury loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to small businesses having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the September severe weather and floods, as well as private nonprofits, even if property was not physically damaged.

Deferred Disaster Loan Payments

The first payment for a disaster loan is due on the fifth month from the date of the loan closing.

The deadline to apply for a SBA disaster loan is November 14, 2013 for physical damage and June 16, 2014 for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

A simple and fast way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

SBA customer service representatives are available to answer questions, explain the application process, help individuals and businesses apply for a low-interest disaster loan and close their approved disaster loans at all Colorado/FEMA disaster recovery centers and SBA business recovery centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. To locate the nearest center & hours, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the DRC locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers. Register online: DisasterAssistance.gov or by Web-enabled device, tablet or smartphone: type m.fema.gov in the browser.

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SBA’s Colorado Disaster Loans Pass $42 million

Applied for FEMA Help? It’s Important to Stay in Touch

AURORA, Ill. – Though registration has closed for FEMA assistance to individuals and households after the severe weather and flooding of April 16-May 5, officials urge applicants to stay in touch with the agency for several reasons.

Applicants should contact FEMA when:

Contact information has changed including a new address, telephone number or email address;
Asking for a Small Business Administration (SBA) application;
Wanting to know about the inspection process;
There is an update or settlement from an insurance company;
Tracking status of an application;
Seeking information on how to appeal a decision;
Looking for information on how to rebuild stronger.

The application period ended but not the availability of FEMA as a resource. FEMA also offers information on other disaster assistance programs and services.

How to reach FEMA:

Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Visit m.fema.gov via a web-enabled phone
Dial the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Call 800-621-3362 for 711 Relay or Video Relay Services
Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 at the Helpline if in need of assistance in other languages.

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.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Applied for FEMA Help? It’s Important to Stay in Touch

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $148 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance continues to flow to Illinois as the state recovers from storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5. More than $148 million has now been distributed among more than 83,000 individuals and households.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

More than $148 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $128 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $20 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 89,000 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
More than $54 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA has extended the registration deadline by 15 days to August 8, 2013. Affected residents of 35 counties covered in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Counties designated for individual assistance for this disaster declaration are: Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford.

Federal assistance is only available for individuals who incurred damage in a designated county as a result of storms and flooding that occurred April 16 to May 5. Registering for assistance for damages sustained as a result of a storm in any other period could be considered fraudulent and claimants could face recoupment of grant money received and/or fraud charges.

To register or to ask questions about your claim, call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Residents can also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. All phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Multi-lingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. Those with storm damage who do not register are disqualifying themselves from any possible assistance if their insurance settlement is not enough.

In addition to assisting individuals and families, FEMA is helping state, local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations recover from the flooding event. This arm of FEMA assistance, Public Assistance (PA), is a reimbursement program that helps communities deal with the financial burdens imposed by a disaster. The federal share of PA is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. Thus far, more than 600 requests for Public Assistance have been submitted.

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $148 Million

Beware: Fraudsters Still Preying Upon Disaster Survivors

AURORA, IL — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) remind Illinois residents affected by the severe storms and flooding of April 16 to May 5 that the possibility of fraud persists.

Recent reports indicate a woman who claimed to be a FEMA employee has approached disaster survivors—mostly senior citizens— and offered to register them for federal assistance for a fee of $150. The same person may also be telling survivors they must pay her so they can collect an anticipated federal disaster assistance check. Both offers are attempts to defraud.

FEMA and IEMA reiterate the following:

FEMA does not charge for registration or for information that it gives out. Apply free online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call toll-free 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.
FEMA does not send out text messages asking recipients to call fee-based telephone numbers. The toll-free numbers above are used for all contact with FEMA, including applying and follow-up.
FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) do not charge fees for information regarding filling out the SBA loan applications. Free assistance is available by calling SBA’s toll-free number, 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1-800-877-8339).
FEMA does not charge a fee to disaster survivors who receive a federal disaster benefit.

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register. While FEMA DSA crews are offering at-your-door service, it is important to remain vigilant about protecting your personal information:

Residents should always ask for ID. Federal and state officials always have photo identification clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.
DSA crew members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter their information on their behalf. If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov. Complaints may also be made via the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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Beware: Fraudsters Still Preying Upon Disaster Survivors

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