Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Recovery In Mississippi

The following is recovery news from the previous week from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

  • Nearly one in three Mississippi households impacted by Hurricane Isaac uses the Internet or a Web-enabled cell phone to get disaster assistance. Of 18,000 households that requested FEMA help in the first two weeks after the storm, about 5,000 used a computer and another 1,000 used smartphones.
  • In the three weeks after the storm more than $11.6 million has been approved in federal disaster assistance, as of Sunday, Sept. 23. There have been 22,346 total registrations for federal disaster assistance.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $2.1 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the storm. FEMA is encouraging anyone who has not done so, to fill out and return their disaster loan applications. Returning it does not obligate them to accept the loan, but is used to refer applicants back to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance grants program.
  • FEMA assistance does not affect other government assistance for individuals. People can still get disaster assistance while receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. FEMA assistance is not taxable and does not need to be repaid.
  • FEMA is sending out determination letters to those who registered telling them the status of their applications. Those who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at (800-621-3362) to get more information and assistance with questions.

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaac are urged to register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Disaster survivors may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service 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.

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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.

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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Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Recovery In Mississippi

FEMA Aid Does Not Affect Government Assistance Programs

CLINTON, Miss. — Receiving disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following Hurricane Isaac in Mississippi does not affect government assistance programs for lower-income individuals and families.

Receiving assistance from FEMA for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other disaster-related needs does not influence eligibility for government assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid and is not taxable.

Other disaster assistance tips to know:

  • Survivors can call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer or faith-based organizations that may be able to help them with resources and needs.
  • Representatives from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA are at disaster recovery centers to provide information on disaster assistance programs, help survivors apply for aid and assist in appealing determinations of eligibility for assistance.
  • If a survivor is provided an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the Small Business Administration, it is important to return it. Returning the application is required to be considered for grants that do not need to be repaid.

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.

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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.

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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FEMA Aid Does Not Affect Government Assistance Programs