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Chickasaw County Approved for Disaster Aid for December Storm Damage

OXFORD, Miss. – The state of Mississippi and local governments and certain private nonprofits in Chickasaw County are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help cover expenses and repair damage associated with the tornadoes and severe weather that occurred in late December.

Chickasaw County has been added to the disaster declaration issued by President Obama on Jan. 4. The declaration initially authorized disaster funding under the Public Assistance grant program in Benton, Marshall and Tippah counties. Previous amendments added Clay, Coahoma, Itawamba, Monroe, Panola, Prentiss, Quitman and Tallahatchie counties.

The disaster declaration makes state, county and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations in the designated areas eligible to receive reimbursement through the Public Assistance program for repairing infrastructure damage caused by the storms, as well as the cost of responding to them.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA pays 75 percent of the cost for repairs, overtime and debris removal. Typically, the remaining 25 percent is split between state and local governments at 12.5 percent each. Eligible nonprofits are responsible for the full 25 percent. The program is administered by MEMA. Eligibility and project approval is determined by FEMA.

MEMA and FEMA are working to schedule applicant briefings with officials of eligible entities and nonprofit organizations in the designated counties. MEMA and FEMA will provide information on the application process, as well as deadlines for submission of necessary documents to receive federal reimbursement.

The applicant briefings may be followed by face-to-face meetings in local communities between FEMA, state officials and eligible applicants.

MEMA, FEMA and their local, state and federal partners are also providing assistance to individuals and households affected by the storms in Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Prentiss, Quitman and Tippah counties.

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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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Chickasaw County Approved for Disaster Aid for December Storm Damage

SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application: Key to Continuing the Recovery Process

OXFORD, Miss. — If disaster survivors in Mississippi apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, it’s important for them to submit an SBA loan application to ensure that the federal disaster recovery process continues.

If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be considered for FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. The program helps meet essential needs like medical and dental care, funeral costs and transportation expenses.

Next to insurance, an SBA loan is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Homeowners may be eligible for low interest loans up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding.

When applying for an SBA loan, survivors should start the process as soon as possible:

Do not wait on an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the insurance settlement. SBA loans may be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Survivors should complete and return the applications as soon as possible. Failure to complete and submit the home disaster loan application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are not offered a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing, household items and other expenses.

SBA can help renters replace their important personal items. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

SBA can help businesses and private nonprofit organizations with up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Survivors don’t have to accept the loan if they qualify for one. Survivors who don’t qualify could be eligible for more assistance from FEMA and other organizations.

March 4, 2016, is the last day survivors can register with FEMA and apply for an SBA disaster loan for physical damage. Oct. 4, 2016, is the last day a small business or private, nonprofit organization may apply for an economic injury disaster loan.

Survivors can submit their SBA loan applications one of two ways: online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela or by mailing their paper application to:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Rd.

Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

Survivors who haven’t yet registered with FEMA can do so online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362, which is video relay service accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4248 and www.msema.org.

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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.

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).

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

Originally from:

SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application: Key to Continuing the Recovery Process

Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Weekend in Batesville

OXFORD, Miss. – Home and business owners looking for information on how to rebuild safer and stronger following the destructive December storms will find help this weekend at Lowe’s in Batesville.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Lowe’s on Highway 6 East in Batesville this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The specialists will answer questions and offer advice on ways to repair or rebuild homes so they are more storm resistant. Free printed materials with additional information will also be available.

The FEMA specialists can also offer advice on dealing with contractors, in particular on how to avoid being scammed. The specialists will provide handouts on selecting and working with contractors.

Anyone interested is welcome whether or not they are receiving financial disaster assistance from FEMA.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Weekend in Batesville

Be Sure to Read Any Correspondence from FEMA Carefully

OXFORD, Miss. – If you applied for disaster assistance after the severe storms which affected Mississippi in December, you may have received a letter or other correspondence from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The most common reason applicants are considered ineligible is the lack of an insurance document. An applicant may only need to provide FEMA with a copy of an insurance determination letter to complete the application and continue the assistance process. Other reasons for a determination of ineligibility include:

The applicant did not sign the required documents;
The applicant did not prove occupancy or ownership;
The damage is to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence;
Someone else in the household has also applied for and received help;
A FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone;
The applicant did not maintain the required flood insurance coverage for the damaged property.

Disaster survivors who receive a determination of ineligibility can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to find out how to appeal this decision, submit any required documents or make changes to contact information.

Applicants may also visit a disaster recovery center where specialists from FEMA can help with appeals, answer questions, review applications and accept required documents. To find a list of open disaster recovery centers in your area, visit: fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline.

Furthermore, survivors have the right to appeal a determination of ineligibility in writing within 60 days from the date shown on the letter. An explanation of the appeals process is available to all applicants and can be found online at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

Those who may not be eligible for FEMA assistance may be eligible for other programs such as an SBA low-interest disaster loan. Help may also be available from volunteer agencies.

FEMA and its state and federal partners are committed to helping Mississippi recover from December’s severe storms. Don’t let a simple paperwork issue prevent you from receiving assistance for which you may be eligible.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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Be Sure to Read Any Correspondence from FEMA Carefully

FEMA Applicant Service Centers in Amory, Booneville, Closing Friday

OXFORD, Miss. – December storm survivors in Monroe and Prentiss counties have until Friday, Jan. 29, to visit the applicant service centers in Amory and Booneville.

The centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Prentiss County Election Office 102 N. Main St. in Booneville (across from the courthouse)
Becker Community Center, 52246 Hwy. 25 South in Amory

Many services available at the applicant service centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline. Survivors can get help by calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also use the helpline to register with FEMA. Online registration can be done by computer, tablet, iPhone, Android or other mobile devices at DisasterAssistance.gov. The deadline for December storm survivors in Mississippi to register with FEMA is March 4, 2016.

Survivors can also use the helpline to:

Ask questions about a letter from FEMA.
Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision. All applicants may appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and zip code if they want to discuss their application.

Survivors may still visit other recovery centers to ask disaster assistance questions. The remaining centers are located in Benton County (the Ashland Fire Department on Third St.), Marshall County (the Spring Hollow Plaza in Holly Springs) and Quitman County (the Marks Fire Department on W. Main St.).

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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From:

FEMA Applicant Service Centers in Amory, Booneville, Closing Friday

Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Week in Ashland and Holly Springs

OXFORD, Miss. – Home and business owners looking for information on how to rebuild safer and stronger following the destructive December storms will find help this week at local hardware stores in Ashland and Holly Springs.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at the Ashland Hardware store at 15800 Boundary Drive this Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be in Holly Springs at the Booker Hardware store at 119 South Market St. this Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

The specialists will answer questions and offer advice on ways to repair or rebuild homes so they are more storm resistant. Free printed materials with additional information will also be available.

The FEMA specialists can also offer advice on dealing with contractors, in particular on how to avoid being scammed. The specialists will provide handouts on selecting and working with contractors.

Anyone interested is welcome whether or not they are receiving financial disaster assistance from FEMA.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Week in Ashland and Holly Springs

Mississippi Tornado Survivors: Keep Your Recovery Process Moving by Returning SBA Disaster Loan Applications

OXFORD, Miss. – Mississippi tornado survivors who do not submit their U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan applications may be saying no to a primary source of federal disaster assistance.

After registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, some survivors receive a disaster loan application from SBA. By submitting the SBA disaster loan application, survivors keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. SBA may refer applicants who do not qualify for a home loan to FEMA for grants to replace essential household items and replace or repair a damaged vehicle. But if survivors do not submit their disaster loan applications, further assistance may stop. Survivors are not required to accept a loan offer.

Often, survivors think SBA disaster loans are only for businesses. Some may be counting on a future insurance settlement to cover rebuilding costs. They may not want to take out a loan or fear they cannot afford one. Others may simply need help completing the disaster loan application.

SBA offers disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters, for physical damage from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding which affected northern Mississippi in late December. To be eligible for these loans, damage must have occurred in the following counties: Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Quitman or Tippah.

Economic injury disaster loans are available to provide working capital to eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in the following Mississippi counties: Alcorn, Benton, Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Prentiss, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tunica and Union.

There are several good reasons for FEMA applicants who have been contacted by SBA to submit a completed disaster loan application before the March 4, 2016, deadline. Some of the top reasons include:

Your insurance settlement may fall short. You may find out you are underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace a damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application, survivors may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of a home up to $200,000. The loan balance will be reduced by your insurance settlement. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan may be lost if you wait until after the application deadline.
SBA can help renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property. Renters, as well as homeowners, may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, appliances and damaged vehicles.
Disaster loans offer low rates and long-term repayment plans. Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for nonprofit organizations and 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

For more information, homeowners, renters and businesses may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Survivors can complete disaster loan applications online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

Survivors can visit any of the five disaster recovery centers open in Mississippi to sit down and talk with an SBA representative in person. Disaster recovery center locations can be found by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585.)

Survivors who have not yet registered with FEMA can do so online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can call TTY 800-462-7585.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4248 and msema.org.

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This article is from:

Mississippi Tornado Survivors: Keep Your Recovery Process Moving by Returning SBA Disaster Loan Applications

Temporary Housing Assistance Available for Displaced Survivors in Mississippi

OXFORD, Miss. – Are you still sleeping on your friend’s couch every night while you work on repairs to your storm-damaged house?

Are you and the kids crammed into your in-laws’ one bedroom, one bath because your home was destroyed by the December storms?

If you were displaced by the disaster and remain unable to return home or find a new dwelling, we may be able to help.

Survivors in the five counties designated for Individual Assistance – Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Quitman and Tippah – may be eligible for federal disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It could mean an initial two months of temporary rental assistance to help pay for a clean and safe place to stay while repairs continue.

The first step is to register with FEMA by:

Calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register.
Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov with a computer, tablet, iPhone, Android or other mobile device.

For longer-term rebuilding assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to qualified individuals to help with residential and business losses. Homeowners, renters and business owners may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955

(or 800-877-8339 for the hard of hearing) or by visiting sba.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Both FEMA and SBA are prohibited by law from duplicating insurance benefits. But, if your insurance fell short in meeting your needs, you may be eligible for help from either or both agencies.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4248 and msema.org.

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Temporary Housing Assistance Available for Displaced Survivors in Mississippi

Additional Mississippi Counties Approved for Disaster Aid

OXFORD, Miss. – The state of Mississippi and local governments and certain private nonprofits in Coahoma, Panola and Quitman counties are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help cover expenses and repair damage associated with the tornadoes and severe weather in late December, according to state and federal officials.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency said the three counties have been added to the disaster declaration issued by President Obama on Jan. 4. That declaration authorized the Public Assistance program in Benton, Marshall and Tippah counties.

The applicant briefings may be followed by face-to-face meetings in local communities between FEMA, state officials and eligible applicants.

MEMA and FEMA and their local, state and federal partners are also providing assistance to individuals affected by the storms in Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Quitman and Tippah counties.

Additional MEMA-FEMA joint damage assessments are ongoing to determine if other counties could be eligible for assistance.

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Taken from:

Additional Mississippi Counties Approved for Disaster Aid

More Than $1.5 Million in Disaster Assistance Approved for Mississippi Storm Survivors

OXFORD, Miss. – Less than a month after severe storms, tornadoes and flooding swept across Mississippi, more than $1.5 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved to help those affected by the storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been contacted by 775 people for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and voluntary agencies. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA often refer survivors to those agencies. All businesses are also referred to the SBA. Some survivors may be interested in other programs such as disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Jan. 15:

Nearly 170 individuals and households approved for FEMA grants, including:
- Nearly $1.3 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- More than $264,000 approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
489 home inspections completed.
283 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
Five disaster recovery centers open in Individual Assistance-designated counties.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors in the five disaster-designated Mississippi counties are urged to apply for help. The Individual Assistance-designated counties are Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Quitman and Tippah. Survivors can use any of the following methods to register:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in most languages.
Online registration can be done by computer, tablet, iPhone, Android or other mobile device at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors who register with FEMA and are referred to SBA will be contacted with options on how to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. After being contacted by SBA, survivors should complete and submit an application even if they do not plan to accept a loan in order to continue the federal assistance process. It is part of the FEMA grant process and can pave the way for additional disaster assistance. SBA disaster loans are available with interest rates as low as 2.188 percent and terms up to 30 years.

Complete the SBA application online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call the SBA customer service center with questions at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-877-8339. For more information, visit sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4248. Visit the MEMA website at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

Link:

More Than $1.5 Million in Disaster Assistance Approved for Mississippi Storm Survivors

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