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Tell Your Friends And Neighbors About FEMA Assistance

TRENTON, N.J.–Tell your friends and neighbors who have not registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the last day to register is May 1, 2013. Make sure they know the facts about FEMA registration; many Hurricane Sandy survivors are eligible for disaster assistance and just may not know it.

With about two weeks left to register, here are facts about FEMA assistance:

FEMA assistance does NOT affect benefits from other federal programs, such as Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance is available for renters; it is not exclusive to homeowners.
FEMA provides grants; it does not make loans. These grants do NOT have to be repaid, and they are NOT considered taxable income.
You may be eligible for reimbursement for repairs to your home, even if the repairs are already completed.
You may be eligible for FEMA assistance even if you have flood or homeowner’s insurance.
Income is NOT a consideration for eligibility for FEMA assistance.
A grant you may receive does not take away from another survivor’s assistance; FEMA has sufficient funding to assist all eligible survivors with their eligible disaster-related needs.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA; the process normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

The rule of thumb is that if you’re unsure if you are eligible for assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or go to DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY,call 1-800-462-7585directly. If using 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362.

Although the assistance process may continue after the deadline, May 1 will be the last day to call or go online to register for FEMA and apply for SBA physical damage disaster assistance.

FEMA grants cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. The objective is to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.

Some applicants may receive a loan application for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after registering with FEMA. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don’t complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.

The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Also, up to $2 million is available for businesses for their uncompensated disaster losses.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 1-800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Officials want to encourage those residents who may be hesitant to register for disaster assistance. Federal taxes are appropriated specifically to fund disaster assistance. Also, the assistance one individual may receive will not take away from another applicant’s federal assistance funds.

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.

Source –

Tell Your Friends And Neighbors About FEMA Assistance

Deadline is March 25 for Applicants to File Requests for Public Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofits in Louisiana parishes hit hard by the Jan. 8-17 storms and flooding have about two weeks to file their official requests for federal assistance.

The deadline to file a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is March 25.

Filing such a request with the state is the first step in the process of applying for federal reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

Applicants must file RPAs within 30 days of a presidential disaster declaration. President Obama issued Louisiana’s major disaster declaration on Feb. 22 for Acadia, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Madison, St. Landry, and Vermilion parishes.

“We urge all eligible applicants to make their requests for assistance quickly,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “The sooner they do so, the sooner we can start the process of getting their eligible costs reimbursed, which helps get communities back on track.”

The grants are obligated to the state to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and repairing public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, private nonprofit organizations may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, nonprofits may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources; and communications systems.

Details of the PA program are on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Deadline is March 25 for Applicants to File Requests for Public Assistance

Two Steps To Disaster Assistance: FEMA And SBA

PURVIS, Miss. – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency work together in assisting disaster survivors. Registering for federal assistance and completing the SBA application are two steps toward one goal: to help those rebuilding their lives after a disaster.

FEMA grants may cover essential needs including personal items such as clothing and vehicles. These grants do not make disaster survivors whole again.

The SBA is a primary source of federal funds for recovery for both individuals and businesses; filling out the SBA loan application is necessary for most homeowners and renters to be considered for all forms of disaster assistance.

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. Loans may be increased up to 20 percent of verified losses to cover the cost of measures to prevent possible damages from a future natural or man-made hazard.

Though FEMA and the SBA work hand in hand with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and local governments to help disaster survivors, many Mississippians affected by the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding who were sent an SBA application have not completed and returned them. The process begins with FEMA; it continues with the SBA.

The reasons Mississippi disaster survivors find for not applying for a low-interest disaster loan are the very reasons they should apply – on or before the April 15 deadline.

Oh I’m not eligible and I don’t own a business.

SBA disaster loans also go to individuals and families – as well as businesses. Interest rates may be as low as 1.688 percent with terms up to 30 years.

I don’t want a loan or can’t qualify for one.

Filing the loan application does not obligate you to accept the loan, but most individual and family applicants must still complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs. That could include assistance for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, car repairs, clothing and household items. Completing the SBA application assures that the federal disaster recovery process continues and keeps your options open.

It’s just too much trouble to fill out an application.

It only takes about 30 minutes to fill out a loan application. You also can receive one-on-one assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. A simple, fast, and very available way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Updates on loan application status are available by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339.

But I’m a renter not a homeowner.

Renters can get help from the SBA. They may qualify for long-term, low-interest loans to repair or replace personal property items, such as clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

I’m going to wait for my insurance settlement.

Don’t wait to settle with the insurance company. If you do not know how much of your loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided you agree to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay your SBA loan.

I own the property but it’s not my primary residence.

If your property is used as a normal part of a business, such as rental property, you may be eligible to apply as a business owner. Submit your application and let SBA determine your eligibility.

Our neighbors were turned down for an SBA loan and they make more than we do.

Don’t make the mistake of eliminating yourself. Everyone’s situation is unique and SBA will work with you if you feel you may have a problem qualifying for the loan. Remember, if a homeowner or renter cannot qualify for the SBA loan, they will be referred back to FEMA for additional grant consideration.

Eligibility for a loan depends on your ability to repay the loan, not on your income. If you qualify for a loan, the amount could be significantly higher than FEMA grants. If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for additional grants.

If you have questions about the disaster assistance process, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or, with a tablet or smartphone, or other web-enabled device, go to m.fema.gov.C-Spire Wireless customers can reach the helpline by dialing #362.

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 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.

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Two Steps To Disaster Assistance: FEMA And SBA

Waterbury Complex Funding Progressing

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The process of determining the federal government’s share of funding for rebuilding the Waterbury State Office Complex is progressing but will not be complete at the end of February.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Vermont had hoped to announce how much of the cost of reconstructing the Waterbury campus – flooded by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011 – would be eligible for FEMA reimbursement on February 28.

“As part of our ongoing partnership with the state, we are exploring all potential funding solutions within the bounds of federal law and policy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont field office.

The Waterbury State Office Complex consists of 47 buildings – including the Vermont State Hospital – that sustained varying levels of damage when the complex was inundated by floodwaters from the nearby Winooski River.

“This is a complex project and we are working at all levels to secure the maximum funding possible to allow the state to start rebuilding,” Landry said. “We are nearly there but it will take some additional time and we don’t want to leave money on the table by moving too fast.”

Officials have said the funding of repairs to the complex will come from a combination of insurance proceeds, FEMA funding, and state funding.

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Waterbury Complex Funding Progressing

No Loss Of Benefits For New Jersey Seniors Receiving Disaster Aid

TRENTON, N.J. — Seniors who suffered losses when hurricane Sandy pummeled New Jersey don’t have to worry about being hit a second time if they receive disaster funds. FEMA disaster assistance is not counted as income, is not taxed, and has no effect on Social Security or other government benefits.

Federal Coordinating Officer, Michael J. Hall said, “When seniors get a check from FEMA, the Internal Revenue Service knows that it’s to help them get back to where they were before the storm. It is not counted as income. Older adults won’t have a penny of this assistance taxed or have any benefits cut.”

Seniors and others who had disaster related losses may apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

Seniors are encouraged to call and register. A FEMA specialist will explain the types of help available and walk callers through the registration process. They are knowledgeable about the process and can answer their questions in a language they feel comfortable speaking.

State Coordinating officer, Lt. Jeff Mottley said, “If seniors receive an SBA application form after registering with FEMA, it’s very important for them to complete and return it. The application helps determine their eligibility for a wide range of disaster relief programs. It’s not just for a loan.”

New Jersey seniors affected by the storm can find out how to apply for an SBA loan by calling 800-659-2955 or by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster. For more information about other elder care issues, call the national referral service, Eldercare Locators, at 800-677-1116.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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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No Loss Of Benefits For New Jersey Seniors Receiving Disaster Aid

FEMA Grants Are Not Taxable Income

WINDSOR, Conn. – Hurricane Sandy survivors receiving Social Security or other government aid have no cause for concern when it comes to how disaster assistance might affect their benefits.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, welfare assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.

To be eligible for federal disaster assistance, survivors must first register with FEMA. The process only takes about 20 minutes.

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.

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. 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.

Survivors also may visit a Disaster Recovery Center to speak directly with a FEMA specialist who can answer their questions. For an updated list of DRCs, go to http://go.usa.gov/g2Td.

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.

More here:

FEMA Grants Are Not Taxable Income

Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

TRENTON, N.J.– It’s important to know the difference between myth and fact in the aftermath of a hurricane. Survivors need accurate information on registering for FEMA aid and on what they may be eligible to receive. The best rule of thumb: if you’re unsure if you are eligible for assistance, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs can call 1-800-462-7585, or 1-800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

Here are some common misunderstandings:

MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and had the repairs made. Isn’t it too late to register once the work is done?
FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair costs, even if repairs are complete.
MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced.
MYTH: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
MYTH: My insurance agent told me I could not get help from FEMA because I have flood insurance.
FACT: Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured costs.
MYTH: I heard registration involves a lot of red tape and paperwork.
FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. The process is very easy and normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
MYTH: I believe FEMA only makes loans so I didn’t apply for help because I don’t want a loan.
FACT: FEMA only provides grants. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. They don’t have to be repaid.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don’t complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.
MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I’m sure I can’t get it again this year.
FACT: Assistance may be available if you suffered damages from a new federally declared disaster.
MYTH: My income is probably too high for me to qualify for disaster assistance.
FACT: Income is not a consideration for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants may cover uninsured losses.
MYTH: I don’t want to apply for help because others had more damage than I had; they need the help more than me.
FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with their disaster related needs.

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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Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

FEMA Community Relations Teams Serving Milford Area

WINDSOR, Conn. – Disaster assistance for people who experienced damage or loss from Hurricane Sandy begins with the first step – registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Registration opens the way to FEMA grants, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other state and federal aid for eligible applicants.

Community Relations specialists are in the Milford area this week to explain available programs and assist people with the registration process if needed.

“It doesn’t matter if you have insurance because sometimes disaster assistance may be available to help with damages that insurance won’t cover,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Registration is easy. Talk to the recovery specialists who are ready to help you through the process.”

People with storm losses who still need to register with FEMA can do so anytime online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime day or night by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. People who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

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FEMA Community Relations Teams Serving Milford Area

Steps to Applying for FEMA Assistance

<ALBANY, NY –- New Yorkers recovering from the impact of Hurricane Sandy in nine counties can now register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The major federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama Oct. 30, offers Individual Assistance in the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester. Residents from these counties are eligible to register.

Assistance for losses sustained anytime after the storm, which began on Oct. 27 and continuing, may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

Even those with insurance may be eligible for help from FEMA if their insurance policy does not cover all their needs.

This is how the process works:

Step 1: Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are several ways to register:

Apply online anytime at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov”>www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to assist with the application process.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov, or for devices with the Android operating system, a FEMA App can be downloaded at market.android.com/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android.
When applying for aid, you will receive a nine-digit registration number that can be used for reference when corresponding with FEMA.

It is helpful to have the following information handy:

Current telephone number;
Address at the time of the disaster and current address;
Social Security number, if available;
A general list of damages and losses;
If insured, the name of insurance company, agent and policy number; and Bank routing number for any direct deposit.

Step 2: Receive a property inspection.

Within a few days after registering, eligible applicants will be telephoned to make an appointment to have their damaged property inspected. The inspectors, who are FEMA contractors and carry identification badges, visit to make a record of damage. They do not make a determination regarding assistance. There is no cost for the inspection.

Step 3: All applicants will receive a letter from FEMA regarding the status of their requests for federal assistance. Some will also receive an application for a low-interest disaster recovery loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Anyone who has questions about the letter from FEMA should call the helpline (800-621-3362 or TTY, 800-462-7585).

Those who receive an application packet from the SBA should complete and submit the forms. No one is required to accept a loan but submitting the application may open the door to additional FEMA grants.

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Steps to Applying for FEMA Assistance

$50 Million in Debris Removal Funding Approved for Plaquemines and St. John Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – For scores of Louisiana communities battered by Hurricane Isaac, clearing out piles of debris has been one of the most difficult and time-consuming challenges. Through hard work and persistence over the past two months, debris piles are dwindling and, in many cases, disappearing altogether.

With bills from cleanup crews now reaching the local parishes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working to fulfill its role in the process: getting supplementary federal funding through the state into local coffers. FEMA does not perform the actual debris removal work; it reimburses the local governments that contract for the eligible work.
On Monday, FEMA announced it has issued more than $50 million in Public Assistance (PA) grants for reimbursement of debris removal costs for Plaquemines and St. John parishes, two of the hardest hit in Louisiana.

The total includes the largest-to-date PA grant in Louisiana for Hurricane Isaac, amounting to about $29 million for right-of-way debris removal in Plaquemines Parish. An additional grant, for nearly $19 million, has also been awarded to reimburse the parish for private property debris removal there.

Meanwhile, a PA grant totaling about $3.5 million has been awarded to St. John Parish for right-of-way debris removal.

“The parishes have made significant progress in their efforts to clean up and remove tons of debris caused by Hurricane Isaac,” said Gerard M. Stolar, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “FEMA is helping to support our parish partners with millions of dollars in supplemental funding.”

Under FEMA’s PA program, the agency obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

For debris removal to be eligible the work must be necessary to:

Eliminate an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety,
Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public and private property when the measures are cost effective, or
Ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

Originally posted here:

$50 Million in Debris Removal Funding Approved for Plaquemines and St. John Parishes

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