texas - femacontract.com

FEMA to Those Who Receive Assistance: Use Funds for Its Intended Purpose

AUSTIN, Texas – Federal officials are cautioning Texans who have received disaster assistance from FEMA to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep disaster spending receipts for three years.

Disaster assistance is to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs and funds are distributed via check or direct deposit. A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.

If an applicant spends the payment on anything other than the purpose for which it is directed, he or she may be denied assistance the next time a disaster strikes. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

“Money from FEMA is not like a tax refund from the IRS, so please don’t treat it as such,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “These funds are to help survivors in their disaster recovery and shouldn’t be used for anything else.”

Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to document the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, he or she must reimburse FEMA. Random audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.

Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners.

Twenty-four counties are included in the May 26-June 24 federal disaster declaration: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households, and those who work in those 24 counties.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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 article here –

FEMA to Those Who Receive Assistance: Use Funds for Its Intended Purpose

Businesses, Nonprofits Can Seek Low-interest Disaster Loans to Aid Recovery

AUSTIN, Texas – Businesses and nonprofit organizations that sustained damage or losses from the May-June storms and floods can apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help with their recovery.

“SBA disaster loans are the major source of federal disaster recovery aid,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “The interest rates are low—as low as 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for nonprofits for the life of the loan.”

SBA offers two types of disaster loans to businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture and most nonprofits, including faith-based ones: physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans.

Physical disaster loans are used to repair or replace damaged buildings and business assets. Economic injury disaster loans help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofits meet financial obligations they cannot meet because of the disaster.

Business owners may also be eligible to refinance existing liens or mortgages.

SBA low-interest disaster loans for businesses have several advantages:

SBA requires no collateral for both physical loans or economic injury loans less than $25,000. SBA requires the borrower to pledge as collateral only what is available, plus satisfactory credit and the ability to repay.
Applicants don’t have to wait for insurance settlements to obtain loans.
Loans are written for a length of time appropriate to the type of loan, but SBA may make adjustments in the length of the loan to lower the monthly payments. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
SBA offers mitigation loans to help pay for improvements to reduce potential for future damage. These mitigation funds are available for up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage.
SBA never charges an application fee or points for its disaster loans.

By law, SBA business loans cannot exceed $2 million. If a business is a major employer, SBA may waive the limit.

The deadline to file for a physical damage disaster loan is August 10. The deadline for an economic injury disaster loan is March 11, 2017.

No one is obligated to accept a loan if approved. SBA gives applicants six months to decide whether to accept a loan.

Applicants may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information, application forms and a list of counties eligible for assistance are available online at SBA.gov/disaster, from SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

SBA representatives are also available at disaster recovery centers to provide information about disaster loans, the application process or help completing an SBA application. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

Completed applications can be mailed to:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76155

# # #

View article:

Businesses, Nonprofits Can Seek Low-interest Disaster Loans to Aid Recovery

More Texans Eligible for Disaster Aid, More Time to Apply

AUSTIN, Texas – More Texans are eligible for federal disaster assistance for the April storms and many more have additional time to register with FEMA for aid.

FEMA extended the period during which those affected by the storms may be eligible for disaster assistance. To be eligible for FEMA help, damage must have occurred April 17-30.

At the request of the state, residents of Anderson, Cherokee, Smith and Wood counties are now eligible for disaster assistance and are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Also eligible for disaster assistance are residents of Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller, and Wharton counties. Those affected by the storms are encouraged to register with FEMA if they have not already done so.

The deadline to register for assistance is July 29.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

Registering for disaster assistance is a two-step process. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return a no-obligation loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

Link to original:

More Texans Eligible for Disaster Aid, More Time to Apply

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed July 3-4

AUSTIN, Texas – Holiday hours for the state/federal disaster recovery centers assisting Texans affected by May’s storms and flooding have been announced by FEMA.

All disaster recovery centers in Texas will be closed Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. The centers will be open Saturday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

The 19 counties included in the May flooding federal disaster declaration are: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Specialists from the State of Texas, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration, nongovernmental organizations and the local community are available at disaster recovery centers to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred in May.

Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance. Survivors may register for assistance the following ways:

online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
by phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

# # #

Read this article:

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed July 3-4

3 Disaster Recovery Centers to Close June 25 in Houston and Cypress (Harris County)

AUSTIN, Texas – Three disaster recovery centers will close at 2 p.m. on June 25 in Houston and Cypress, both in Harris County.

Harris County

Imperial 20 (Office Building)
16800 Imperial Valley Dr., Suite 108
Houston, TX 77060

Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77074

Lone Star College – CyFair Library
9191 Barker Cypress Rd.
Cypress, TX 77433

Disaster recovery centers are operated jointly by FEMA and the state. Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance.

After the centers close, Texans whose homes or businesses were affected by the April 17-24 storms and flooding can still register for assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claims the following ways:

visit DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
visit a disaster recovery center that remains open. To find the nearest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator. fema.gov/disaster/4269 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Recovery officials encourage Texans who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change their addresses or phone numbers they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Continue reading:

3 Disaster Recovery Centers to Close June 25 in Houston and Cypress (Harris County)

Texans Denied FEMA Aid Encouraged to Ask ‘Why?’

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who get a letter from FEMA telling them they’re ineligible for disaster assistance should not give up—but should follow up instead.

Anyone who gets a letter from FEMA should read it carefully and call FEMA immediately if they disagree with it or have any questions. A simple error in a telephone number or a missing signature may be all that separates an applicant from federal assistance.

After registering with FEMA, applicants can expect a notice by mail about whether they qualify for federal disaster assistance:

If eligible, the letter explains the amount of the grant and how it is to be used.
If ineligible—if the grant amount reads “0”—applicants may still qualify.

A denial letter may indicate the application is missing information such as verification of occupancy of the damaged property, proof of identity, documentation of disaster damage, or what is covered under an insurance policy.

Applicants who do not receive a letter or are denied assistance should call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) for an explanation why, or go to their account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

The 12 counties affected by the May storms are: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller, and Washington counties.

Survivors may register for assistance the following ways:

online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

# # #

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

More here –

Texans Denied FEMA Aid Encouraged to Ask ‘Why?’

SBA Disaster Loan Application Deadlines Nears

AUSTIN, Texas – Two important deadlines are ahead for Texans who are considering a loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration for recovery from the April storms and flooding.

Most survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance were contacted by the SBA with information on the agency’s loan-interest disaster loans, as well as instructions on how to complete the loan application.

The deadline to submit the application for physical damage is June 24, 2016. The deadline for businesses to submit a loan application for economic injury is Jan. 25, 2017.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s customer service center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster.

Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76155

SBA loan applications should be submitted even as disaster survivors await an insurance settlement. The loan balance is reduced by the settlement. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Both FEMA and the SBA encourage Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April storms and were provided a loan application to complete the application. There is no obligation to take a loan if offered. If approved, and a survivor does not accept the loan, it may make them ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence.
Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans—called Economic Injury Disaster Loans—to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

# # #

Read the article –

SBA Disaster Loan Application Deadlines Nears

Texans Have One Week Left to Register for Disaster Assistance for April Storms

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April storms and flooding in 12 counties have only until Friday, June 24, to register for FEMA disaster assistance.

Aid can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Texans with disaster-related damage or loss from the April storms may be eligible for assistance if they live or work in the following 12 counties: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton.

Texans can register the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
visit a disaster recovery center

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Jump to original:

Texans Have One Week Left to Register for Disaster Assistance for April Storms

Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the May flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration may lose income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit the SBA loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they complete and return the SBA loan application.

Applicants from Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington counties should complete the application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“The SBA loan application is used to review an applicant’s eligibility for additional assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “For that reason, complete the application even if you don’t plan to accept the loan.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent, and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts. The application is not required for survivors seeking temporary rental assistance.

Survivors may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155.

SBA loan applications can be submitted even as disaster survivors await an insurance settlement. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence.
Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans—called Economic Injury Disaster Loans—to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Link:

Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

Texans in 12 Counties Affected by May-June Flooding Can Register With FEMA for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who sustained damage or loss from the storms and flooding that began May 26 and continues can now register for disaster assistance with FEMA.

The presidential disaster declaration of June 11 makes federal assistance available to affected individuals and households in 12 Texas counties: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington.

Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance even if they applied for or received aid for other recent disasters.

“It may seem confusing, but residents who received disaster aid earlier this year need to apply again for assistance available through this new disaster declaration,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “We want to make sure that all Texans who had damage in this latest disaster receive every bit of assistance they are eligible for.”

Texans can register the following ways:

online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
visit a disaster recovery center

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille or large print, please let the FEMA representatives know. American Sign Language interpreters can be available, if requested, by calling Everett Sedgwick at 202-870-4129.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Read this article:

Texans in 12 Counties Affected by May-June Flooding Can Register With FEMA for Disaster Assistance

Page 3 of 24 « 1 2 3 4 5 » ... Last »