AURORA, Ill. – State and federal disaster assistance is not treated as income and is not taxable. It also does not affect Social Security benefits, nor does it affect a recipient’s eligibility for other federal assistance programs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has so far awarded more than $80.9 million dollars in disaster grants to individuals affected by the Illinois storms of April 16-May 5.  Those grants have paid for temporary housing and other needs, such as personal property loss, medical care, and transportation.  Here are answers to some typically asked questions:

Question:  Will receiving a grant cause my income to increase to the point that I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, or food stamps, or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).

Answer:  No.  Grants for housing and Other Needs Assistance are not counted as income in determining eligibility for any income-tested benefit programs that receives U.S. government funds.

Question:  I took my Social Security benefits early.  If I earn more than a certain amount each year, I must repay $1 of my Social Security payment for every $2 I earn.  Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer:  No.  FEMA grants for housing and ONA are not counted as income.

Question:  I’m over 65, but if I earn more than a certain amount, I must pay tax on my Social Security income.  Will a FEMA grant boost my income and require me to pay tax on my Social Security income?

Answer:  No.  Again, the IRS does not count FEMA grants for housing and ONA as income.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

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Disaster Grants Won’t Affect Social Security or Taxes

AURORA, Ill. – Renters who had damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

Homeownership is NOT a requirement for FEMA help.

Under the FEMA Housing Assistance program, both homeowners and renters who are displaced from their homes may be eligible for rental assistance grants. Immediate hotel/motel lodging may be covered, as well as longer term rental while the original home or rented quarters is repaired, or they move into replacement housing.

Both renters and homeowners also may qualify for a grant under the FEMA Other Needs Assistance program for essential personal property and to meet medical, dental, funeral and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state or charitable-aid programs.

Renters and homeowners may qualify for a low-interest, long-term disaster assistance loan of up to $40,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to replace lost or damaged personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. Homeowners also may qualify for loans of up to $200,000 for damages to their home.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

See more here: 

Renters with Flood Damage May Be Eligible for FEMA Help

AURORA, Ill. – The state/federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in LaSalle County will close permanently at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Although the center will close, Illinois survivors of the mid-April storms and flooding can continue to register by phone or online through July 9.

The center that is closing is located at:

LaSalle County

Marseilles Fire Department

205 Lincoln St.

Marseilles, IL 61341

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.  For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116 .

Be sure to contact FEMA if you change your mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, receive an insurance settlement or discover additional damage.

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.

Media Contact:  571-408-1835

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LaSalle County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, in Woodford County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency Management

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

View original article: 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Woodford County

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, in Peoria County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)

217 W. Chestnut

Chillicothe, IL 61523

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

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Excerpt from – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Peoria County

CHICAGO – In the nearly two weeks since 11 counties in Illinois were declared a major disaster area, federal assistance has reached $51 million, distributed among more than 17,000 individuals and households.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households that suffered losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

  • $51 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
  • Of that amount, more than $45 million approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes;
  • Nearly $6 million approved to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
  • More than 22,000 home inspections completed to confirm disaster damage; and
  • More than 900 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Eight languages, other than English, are being used to communicate assistance information to those affected by the severe storms and flooding: Arabic, German, Korean, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Urdu.

On May 22, 2013, FEMA approved the addition of 14 counties. Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration can now register for federal assistance. The counties include Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford.

Individuals can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact:  571-408-1835

 

Continued here: 

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Reaches $51 Million

CHICAGO – Two federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will permanently close this week. The DRC in Fulton County will close at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. The DRC in Grundy County will close at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Although the centers will close, Illinois storm survivors can continue to register by phone or online through July 9.

The centers in the following locations are closing:    

Fulton County

Fulton County Health Dept. 

700 E. Oak St. 

Canton, IL 61520

This DRC closes 7 p.m. Friday, May 24.

Grundy County

Morris Fire Dept.

2301 Ashton Rd.

Morris IL  60450

This DRC closes 7 p.m., Saturday, May 25.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Be sure to contact FEMA if you change your mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, receive an insurance settlement, or discover additional damage. 

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Continued here:  

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Close

CHICAGO – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, in Des Plaines for residents of Cook County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.  The location is:

Cook County

Des Plaines

1486 Miner St (next door to the Des Plaines Theatre)

Des Plaines, IL 60616

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.  More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

DRCs offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need additional help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

 

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

Originally posted here – 

Second Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cook County

NEW YORK – People whose property was damaged or destroyed in Super Storm Sandy and are rebuilding can get advice from a FEMA specialist. Hazard Mitigation specialists who are knowledgeable in cleanup and building safer and smarter to avoid future losses will be dispensing guidance free of charge, compliments of FEMA.

FEMA will staff tables at Home Depot stores in Suffolk County at 10 Gateway Blvd, Patchogue; and in Richmond County at 545 Targee St, Staten Island; and at a Lowe’s in Nassau County at 253-01 Rockaway Blvd, Rosedale.

Beginning Thursday May 9 – Tuesday May 14:

  • Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Advice and direction on the National Flood Insurance Program and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps, Flood Insurance Rate Maps, repair and rebuilding will be available to all, not just to customers who are registered with FEMA.

These specialists will be able to talk about elevating electrical services and appliances; installing sewer back-flow valves; removing and replacing drywall and insulation; channeling water away from foundations; repairing with water-resistant materials. They can also give guidance in the permitting process required by local authorities.

For every dollar spent on mitigation, FEMA officials say that nearly four times as much is saved when another disaster like Sandy hits.

More information on ways to protect your property from disasters to come is available at: www.fema.gov. Click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.”

Originally posted here: 

FEMA Offers Rebuilding Advice at Area Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $6.75 million to the state of Texas for construction of four community safe rooms in the city of Pharr in Hidalgo County, Texas  

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will pay 75 percent or $6,750,000 of the combined $9 million cost.    

The concrete, dome safe rooms, which will also serve as multi-purpose community centers, will be 20,000 square feet each and should provide protection from storms and tornadoes for the people of Hidalgo County.

The community safe rooms will be built at two high schools, a fire station and a community center in Pharr. The safe rooms are accessible for people with disabilities.

The federal share of the funds for the project come from the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). HMGP provides grants to states, and tribal and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Learn more about FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program online at http://go.usa.gov/D6D

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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. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/region-vi/region-6-preparedness and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

Taken from:

FEMA Awards $6.75M for Community Safe Rooms in Hidalgo Co, TX

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