Denial of FEMA Assistance Offers Options for Appeal

AURORA, Ill. – A letter from FEMA denying federal disaster assistance may not be the final word. Applicants for disaster assistance should not be discouraged or disappointed if such a letter is received. Receipt of these letters does not necessarily mean “case closed.”

Many times the letter is received because more information is needed by FEMA.

Illinois survivors of the April 16 to May 5 severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding have the right to appeal FEMA’s decision about what assistance they can receive.

Survivors can appeal the amount or type of help provided, or any other decision about disaster assistance.

Before asking for an appeal, however, applicants are urged to review the “Help After a Disaster” applicant’s guide. The guide explains the different types of assistance that may be available and could answer questions about the appeal process. Each applicant receives a copy of the guide and it is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

When making an appeal, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision. Include any new or additional documentation that would support an appeal. Be as specific as possible in the letter and include materials such as itemized receipts and contractor estimates.

When sending an appeal, remember to include:

  • The federal declaration number, DR-4116-IL.
  • Your FEMA nine-digit identification number.
  • The applicant’s name, place and date of birth, and the address of the damaged dwelling.
  • Copies of documentation that support the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Keep all originals for your records.
  • A copy of a state-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license.
  • The appeal must be signed by the applicant.

Survivors may send their appeal letter to FEMA by fax at (800) 827-8112, ATTN: FEMA, or by mail addressed to  National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.

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.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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.

Originally posted here:  

Denial of FEMA Assistance Offers Options for Appeal

FEMA Mitigation Outreach June 18 through June 23

AURORA, Ill. – Individuals who sustained damages during the recent severe weather can gain valuable information about repairing and rebuilding their damaged property in a stronger, safer and smarter way by visiting one of the FEMA mitigation teams located at home improvement centers throughout the area.

The mitigation teams will be available at five area home improvement centers Tuesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 23, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The locations of the center are:

Cook County

Menards

8311 W. North Ave.

Melrose Park, IL 60160

 

Menards

2333 S. Cicero Ave.

Cicero, IL 60639

 

Home Depot

12000 S. Cicero Ave.

Alsip, IL 60803

 

Lake County

Home Depot

3200 West Route 60

Mundelein, IL 60060

 

McHenry County

Home Depot

4447 US Route 14

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

 

Individuals and families in 33 counties whose dwellings were damaged in the severe storms of April 16 to May 5 should register with FEMA for federal and state assistance that may be available.

They 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.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for 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 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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FEMA Mitigation Outreach June 18 through June 23

FEMA Helps People with Disabilities Access Disaster Assistance

Photo available for download:

http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/12217

AURORA, Ill. –  To help entire communities recover from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 to May 5, FEMA is working to make sure Illinois residents with disabilities and those with functional needs have equal access to disaster assistance programs.

To achieve this goal, FEMA coordinates efforts with state and local agencies and volunteer organizations to identify needs and locate appropriate resources. FEMA has a Disability Integration Advisor on site in Illinois to coordinate the various elements of the program.

FEMA provides physical access to facilities and reasonable program modifications as needed. For example, brochures are translated into large print, Braille and most languages. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible to people with disabilities, and assistance is offered to complete forms. Amplified phones, assisted listening devices, captioned phones, magnifiers, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Video Relay Services (VRS) are available at DRCs. On-site interpreters, including American Sign Language interpreters, are available upon request.

Notify FEMA staff if you need an accommodation during part of the assistance process.

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

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 VRS can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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

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FEMA Helps People with Disabilities Access Disaster Assistance

Many Residents May Mistakenly Believe They Have Registered with FEMA

AURORA, Ill. – After the spring storms and flooding that took place between April 16 and May 5, many affected residents have spoken to representatives from insurance companies and state and local agencies about disaster assistance and may be under the mistaken impression they have registered with FEMA. 

The way to know for sure that you have registered with FEMA is if you have been assigned a nine-digit Registration Identification Number, which verifies your registration status.

Following are the several ways of registering for FEMA disaster assistance:

  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362
  • Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
  • Via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov

The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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 the article here:

Many Residents May Mistakenly Believe They Have Registered with FEMA

Recertify to be Eligible for Continued Rental Help

AURORA, Ill. – Illinois households currently receiving rental assistance through FEMA for the severe storms and flooding from April 16 to May 5 must provide the necessary paperwork to recertify for continued rental help in order to ensure no interruption of benefits.

FEMA may pay up to 18 months of rental assistance to both homeowners and renters if they need to relocate while repairs are being made to their disaster-damaged residence. The rental assistance is paid in two-month increments and can include the payment of a security deposit. The security deposit may include a pet deposit fee, but the amount of the security deposit plus the pet deposit fee cannot exceed one month’s rent.

An application for continued temporary housing will be sent to applicants who have received initial rental assistance approximately two weeks after the first rental award. It reaffirms that applicants have an ongoing need for temporary housing, either because disaster-related repairs are not completed or they have been unable to find permanent replacement housing.

Applicants who continue to need rental assistance must express an interest either verbally through the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or in writing within 90 days after receipt of the application. The entire process must be completed within 120 days to be eligible. A new 90- and 120-day limit will begin with each rental recertification, and a new application needs to be filled out each cycle.

Documents required for recertification include:

  • The completed application
  • A copy of the current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant
  • Rental receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing proper usage of previous rental assistance
  • Current income statements from family members living in the rental

The form must be completed in full and turned in on time for each rental cycle to apply for continued assistance.

FEMA will evaluate the information each cycle to determine if the applicant qualifies for ongoing federal rental assistance, based on financial need. An applicant’s current monthly rent is compared to the person’s housing costs before the disaster. Income for all household members, ongoing homeowner mortgage, insurance and utility costs for the damaged home, and other housing commitment costs are all taken into consideration when determining continued eligibility. An applicant who misses one cycle of recertification will not be eligible for continued rental assistance.

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.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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 ww.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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Recertify to be Eligible for Continued Rental Help

Disaster Recovery Center in Woodford County to Close

AURORA, Ill. – The federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Woodford County will close at
7 p.m. Friday, June 14.

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency Management Office

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

After the DRC closes, registration continues to be available in several ways: 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

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for 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 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 Recovery Center in Woodford County to Close

Disaster Recovery Center in Peoria County to Close

AURORA, Ill. – The federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Peoria County will close at
7 p.m. Friday, June 14.

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Hall

217 W. Chestnut St.

Chillicothe, IL 61523

After the DRC closes, registration continues to be available in several ways: 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

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for 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 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 Recovery Center in Peoria County to Close

FEMA Working With Plant Explosion Survivors to Identify Unmet Needs

AUSTIN, Texas – An initiative launched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the state of Texas is aimed at finding additional disaster assistance for West, Texas residents affected by the April 17 explosion.

Under the initiative, all 764 applicants who have registered with FEMA will be receiving follow-up phone calls from FEMA outreach liaisons. The 100 percent review is designed to identify any unmet needs and work with survivors to provide any additional assistance they may be eligible to receive.

FEMA’s Outreach specialists are helping applicants with the appeal process, explaining letters they may have received from FEMA, assisting applicants with gathering insurance documentation needed for their claims and providing referrals to local voluntary agencies, long term recovery resources within the community, other state agencies and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for  low-interest disaster loans.

So far, outreach specialists have reached more than 567 applicants and will continue to call each survivor until all applicants have been contacted. 

“The recovery process is stressful for those who suffered great losses, and we want to make sure all survivors get the maximum assistance they are eligible to receive,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “Our proactive approach will continue until every registered applicant in McLennan County has been contacted.”

Since the fertilizer plant explosion, the state of Texas, FEMA and the SBA have approved more than $6.5 million in federal disaster assistance grants and low-interest disaster loans for eligible individuals and families in McLennan County. The grants are for temporary housing, home repair and reconstruction, and for other needs, including personal property replacement or disaster-related medical and dental expenses. This total also includes more than $5.86 million in low-interest disaster loans approved from the SBA. These federal disaster loans help pay for residential and business property losses as well as disaster working capital needs for eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

West survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA if they have not already done so. Residents can register now at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The registration deadline for FEMA assistance is June 18.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance will continue to be available beyond June 18. The filing deadline to return SBA applications for property damage is July 1, 2013.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 3, 2014.

For more information about low-interest disaster loans, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659 2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov.  Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877 8339.  Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Original article:  

FEMA Working With Plant Explosion Survivors to Identify Unmet Needs

Schedule Changes for Illinois/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

AURORA, Ill. – The eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) operated by the state of Illinois and FEMA have changed their schedule of operations.

They will now be open from Monday through Saturday, rather than seven days a week.  The DRCs will be closed Sundays. Hours of operation remain 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The DRC locations are as follows:

Chicago

North Park Village              

5801 N. Pulaski, Bldg. C                 

Chicago, IL 60646

Chicago

Royal Savings Bank                

9226 S. Commercial Ave.                                       

Chicago, IL 60617

Cook County

Forest View Fire Department        

7010 W. 46th                         

Forest View, IL 60402

Cook County

1486 Miner St. (Next to

Des Plaines Theater)                          

Des Plaines, IL 60016              

DuPage County

Lisle Police Department                  

5040 Lincoln Ave.                 

Lisle, IL 60532

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)                                        

217 W. Chestnut St.                    

Chillicothe, IL 61523

Rock Island County

Rock Island County Emergency Management Office     

6120 78th Ave.                         

Milan, IL 61264

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency

Management Office               

301 S. Main                            

Roanoke, IL 61561

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.

Hazard Mitigation staff, located at the DRCs, can provide information on repairing or rebuilding homes to minimize damage from future storms and flooding events.

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

Link – 

Schedule Changes for Illinois/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

Renters with Flood Damage May Be Eligible for FEMA Help

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

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