Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

PURVIS, Miss. – Some people who have registered for federal assistance were sent an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and many are wondering why they got one.

Although nobody is required to accept an SBA loan, filling out the application is an important step in being considered for certain forms of disaster assistance. There is no need to actually take out a loan.

“The SBA disaster loans are the primary source of long-term recovery aid,” according to SBA spokesman Jack Camp. “The application gives us and FEMA the information we need to get the proper aid for each applicant.”

“We encourage anyone who received an SBA loan application to return it as soon as possible,” Camp said. “Filling out the loan application carries no obligation to accept a loan, but it does help speed the disaster-assistance process.”

SBA representatives are on duty at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

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.

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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Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

Marion and Wayne Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

ATLANTA – Two additional counties have been designated for disaster assistance to households and businesses as part of Mississippi’s federal disaster declaration, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  The latest counties are Marion and Wayne.

Counties previously designated are Forrest and Lamar.

Applicants should register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Homeowners and renters can register for federal disaster assistance that may help pay for:

  • Temporary housing;
  • Home repairs;
  • Other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs; and
  • Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration that may cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

People in the newly designated counties who have already registered for federal disaster assistance do not need to do so again. If they have any questions about their applications for disaster assistance, they should call 800-621-3362.

 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.

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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Marion and Wayne Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

Building better and smarter can start with an SBA Disaster Loan

NEW YORK – Protection from future severe weather damage can begin with a low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan for eligible homeowners, businesses and private nonprofits.

SBA disaster loans can be used for elevating a structure to reduce or eliminate future flood damage. Other projects can include building retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps or elevating utilities. A disaster loan can be increased up to an additional 20 percent of the verified loss amount if rebuilding is to prevent future disaster damage.

The deadline to apply for an SBA disaster loan is Feb. 27, 2013.

A simple, fast way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and SBA business recovery centers. Survivors can receive an update on the status of a loan application by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing).

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. Another option is to text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). Or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.                                                    

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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.

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.

See the original article here:  

Building better and smarter can start with an SBA Disaster Loan

Fight Disaster-related Fraud by Insisting on Seeing Identification

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors beware: There may be con artists trying to get their hands on your disaster assistance money or personal financial information.

After a disaster, crooks may pretend to be employed by FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration. They may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or they may promise to increase your disaster assistance grant for a fee, something a federal employee would never do.

Some consumer safety tips to remember:

  • There is never a fee to apply for FEMA assistance or to receive it;
  • There are no fees for FEMA or SBA property damage inspections; and
  • Government workers never ask for payment to perform their duties.

Asking to see identification is a disaster survivor’s best defense against such criminals and scam artists. All authorized federal personnel are required to wear photo IDs at all times. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of affiliation with these agencies.

All government- or contractor-issued ID badges should be produced by the bearer without hesitation or reluctance. A FEMA contract inspector who comes to your home will be able to provide your FEMA registration number.

If private insurance adjusters and local building code inspectors visit your property, they should also be able to provide identification on demand.

Anyone suspecting fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local authorities or the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at www.ct.gov/dcp or by calling 800-842-2649 (in the Hartford area, call 860-713-6110).

 

Contractor fraud can also be a problem after a disaster. Remember these tips before signing a home repair contract:

  • Get three written estimates; then check each contractor’s credentials and references. Contact the Better Business Bureau or local chamber of commerce to see if there are outstanding complaints against the contractor;
  • Obtain a written contract detailing all work to be performed, costs, a projected completion date, and procedures to negotiate changes and settle disputes;
  • Any guarantees should be in writing.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

 

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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Fight Disaster-related Fraud by Insisting on Seeing Identification

Insured Storm Survivors May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. — Disaster officials offered hope today to property owners and renters coming up short on insurance settlements for damage due to Hurricane Sandy.

Insured disaster survivors must file claims with their insurers, because Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance does not duplicate insurance benefits. However, survivors who do not register for FEMA assistance before the Jan. 28 deadline may discover too late that their insurance payout leaves them uninsured or underinsured for certain items.

Insurance policies may not take into account changes in costs for labor and materials. Policyholders might have reduced coverage to save money during a down economy and find themselves uninsured for some losses.

“Apply for disaster assistance and keep in touch with FEMA on the outcome of your insurance settlement,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “A first notice that benefits aren’t available due to insurance could be changed with new information. But if you haven’t registered, that option goes away.”

Examples of cases where insurance may be lacking include the category insurers call Additional Living Expenses, which may not be covered for temporary housing, such as in flood insurance policies. Other uninsured items could be disaster-related medical or dental expenses, vehicle losses, essential tools for workers, or lost computers and books owned by students.

Residents registered for assistance also become eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. A FEMA registration number is a requirement for individuals to seek SBA disaster loans of up to $200,000 for physical damage losses and up to $40,000 for contents. However, businesses may apply for disaster loans without first applying for FEMA assistance.

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. Multilingual operators are available at the close of the English message.

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, nor does it disqualify anyone from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

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.

Read the article – 

Insured Storm Survivors May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

FEMA Helpline Still Available to Assist Hurricane Sandy Survivors in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — FEMA’s registration Helpline is still available for Connecticut residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Although all FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut have closed, the Helpline remains available for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance. Sandy survivors who have already registered for aid can call to ask questions, update contact information or check the status of their applications.

Disaster survivors can call 800-621-3362 to register for assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators can be reached after the initial English message concludes.

The deadline to register with FEMA has been extended to Jan. 28.

Disaster 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.

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.

As of Dec. 28, 2012, more than 2,500 Connecticut residents have been approved for federal disaster assistance. FEMA offers financial help to survivors of federally-declared disasters to cover uninsured losses and critical expenses which cannot be covered by other means.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

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.

Taken from: 

FEMA Helpline Still Available to Assist Hurricane Sandy Survivors in Connecticut

Fairfield Disaster Recovery Center to Transition to SBA Loan Outreach Center

WINDSOR, Conn. — The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Fairfield closes Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m., but FEMA will still be available to help residents recover from Sandy.

The FEMA helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-621-3362, to register for assistance, ask questions about an application or update contact information so FEMA knows how to reach you. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

When FEMA’s Fairfield center closes, the U.S. Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location at the Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824, on Thursday, Dec. 20.

 Fairfield Disaster Loan Outreach Center hours of operation will be:

 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (starting Dec. 20)

Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

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.

If an applicant receives an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, it is important this application be completed and returned.  No survivor is required to take out an SBA loan, but completion of the SBA application may make the applicant eligible for further FEMA assistance.

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 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 multilingual operators.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

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.

Taken from – 

Fairfield Disaster Recovery Center to Transition to SBA Loan Outreach Center

FEMA Housing Assistance Is Based On Damage To Essential Living Areas

TRENTON, N.J. — Some households with property damage received a letter from FEMA that said “insufficient damage.” The FEMA housing inspector reported that the essential living areas in the home were safe, sanitary and functional. People who disagree can ask for a re-inspection.

FEMA can only provide rent or repair money when there is damage to the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms used by occupants of the home.

FEMA will reconsider a request for housing assistance, and there are other options:

  • Request a re-inspection. Call the FEMA helpline by phone or 711/VRS at 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585.
  • Complete and return your SBA low-interest disaster loan application if you received one. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides disaster loans for individuals. Loan funds may be available for damage to all living areas.
  • Get volunteer help. Dozens of private nonprofit groups are helping in New Jersey. Some  groups provide volunteers to help out with minor repairs to homes. For more information call 2-1-1 or visit NJ211.org online.
  • File an appeal. Any decision by FEMA can be appealed. Filing an appeal relating to habitability requires verifiable documentation to show the disaster caused damage that made the housing uninhabitable. Appeal letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

For information on filing an appeal, survivors should refer to the “Help After Disaster” guide, which is mailed to everyone who registers with FEMA. The guide also is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

All applicants will receive a letter from FEMA. If you do not understand it, visit a disaster recovery center or call the FEMA helpline.

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.

 

View this article – 

FEMA Housing Assistance Is Based On Damage To Essential Living Areas

Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center to Close Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.

WINDSOR, Conn. — The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center at the Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, will close at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15.

When the center closes, FEMA will still be only a mouse-click or a phone call away. Disaster survivors may also go to any other Disaster Recovery Center. For an updated list of DRCs, go to http://go.usa.gov/g2Td on the Web or text the letters DRC and your ZIP code to the number 43362.

Homeowners, business owners and renters who had damage from Hurricane Sandy in one of the Connecticut counties designated for Individual Assistance have until Dec. 31 to register for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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 or ask questions 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 multilingual operators.

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.

If an applicant receives an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of their registration package from FEMA, it is important this application be completed and returned.  No survivor is required to take out an SBA loan, but completion of the SBA application may make the applicant eligible for further FEMA assistance.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

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.

Originally posted here: 

Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center to Close Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.

Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed

Certain private nonprofit organizations that experienced damage from Hurricane Sandy may qualify for reimbursement of certain costs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

The program reimburses government entities, tribal nations and nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure to pre-disaster condition.

Federal regulations separate nonprofits into two categories: critical facilities, such as schools, utility companies, emergency service companies and hospitals; and noncritical facilities, such as low-income housing, assisted living homes and rehabilitation programs. Both may apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses under the PA program.

However, noncritical facilities must also apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan. If SBA declines the loan, or if the loan does not cover all eligible damage, FEMA may be able to provide cost-shared assistance.

Applicants submit their formal Request for Public Assistance to the state. For more information, nonprofit organizations should contact Connecticut’s Public Assistance program at 860-256-0801.

Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations within New London County are designated for PA. The deadline for submitting a Request for Public Assistance to the state is Dec. 30.

Under the program, the state is the grantee, and the applicants are the subgrantees. In other words, FEMA grants the money to the state, which distributes the funds to the applicants after all documentation is received.

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.

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.

Taken from: 

Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed

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