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Straight Talk About Disaster Assistance

In the first few weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by half-truths and rumors circulating about how to get help and the various assistance programs available.  The last thing those affected by disaster need is misinformation.

The following questions and answers describe the types of help available and clear up some of the confusion about eligibility.

I sustained damages as a result of Hurricane Ike. What should I do?
The first thing that people who sustained damage or incurred losses from Ike should do is apply for disaster assistance.  This is done by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 or logging on to www.fema.gov.

What is disaster assistance?
Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.  Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also are available for eligible homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained losses not covered by insurance. After having applied for assistance, those with questions should check online at www.fema.gov, visit a nearby disaster recovery center or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

I got help from the American Red Cross.  Can I still apply to FEMA if I need assistance?
Yes, you should apply to FEMA.  Think of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other voluntary agencies as your immediate helpers with food, clothing, blankets and shelter during the first days of the disaster. FEMA is your long term recovery partner with rental assistance, housing repair money and grants to meet other serious needs caused by the disaster.

I don't really want a loan.  Do I still need to fill out the SBA application when I receive it?
Yes, fill it out and return it.   You may qualify for a FEMA grant to replace your personal property damaged in the disaster. If you don't complete and return the SBA loan application, you may not be considered for further FEMA assistance.

I rent an apartment. Can I get help to replace my damaged property?
Yes. A renter may qualify for a grant from FEMA or an SBA low-interest disaster loan.  FEMA has grants to replace personal property such as clothing and furniture if they're not covered by insurance. Automobiles must be insured to be considered a personal property loss. And, FEMA may provide temporary housing assistance if a renter has to move to another dwelling.

If I am an undocumented resident, am I eligible for any assistance?
Yes. You may be eligible under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of immediate assistance, but you will not be eligible for FEMA assistance as an individual.  However, if there is a child in your household who is a U.S. citizen, or if your household has an eligible adult member, the entire household may qualify for assistance. Even if your household does not qualify for a FEMA grant, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for information and to be referred to other programs that can assist you regardless of your immigration status.  Multi-lingual operators are available to assist you.

I have flood damage to my vacation home. Can I get FEMA help with repairs to a damaged secondary residence?
Probably not.   FEMA provides assistance if you have damage to your primary residence.  However, if the secondary property is a rental property for income, SBA may be able to help you as a business owner.

I have already repaired my home. Is it too late to apply to FEMA?
No. You could qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by your insurance. Remember to keep receipts.

Do I need to make an appointment at the disaster recovery center to apply for assistance?
No.  You should apply for assistance by phone at 1-800-621-3362, (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 or online at www.fema.gov first.  Then, you may visit any disaster recovery center if you need further information about various disaster assistance programs and services including ways to reduce damage in future severe weather events.

Are only low income residences qualified for disaster assistance?
No. Federal disaster assistance is available to any eligible applicant and is not income-based. The kinds of assistance provided depend on the applicant's circumstances and unmet disaster-related needs.

Do I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan?
No. The SBA, which handles low-interest disaster loans, has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant's eligibility. The SBA will decide whether or not you are able to repay a loan. If you are not qualified for a loan, you may be eligible for other assistance. FEMA's grants for temporary housing, repairs or rebuilding and to cover other disaster-related expenses not reimbursed by insurance or other programs do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. But, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must complete and return them to be eligible for assistance covering personal property losses, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses.

I'm self-employed and out of work as a result of the disaster.  Can I qualify for disaster unemployment benefits?
Yes.  Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), funded by FEMA and administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, provides benefits for Texas workers who are unemployed because of Hurricane Ike. Self-employed business owners who have lost all or part of their livelihood as a result of Hurricane Ike also may be eligible for disaster benefits. To apply, individuals can file online at www.texasworkforce.org or call the Texas Workforce Unemployment Insurance Tele-Center at 1-800-939-6631.  The deadline for applying is November 12, 2008.

How will I receive any information mailed to me if I am unable to return to my home right away?
FEMA works closely with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to see that mail gets delivered to its intended recipient.  However, it is each individual's responsibility to make sure that FEMA and the USPS have current mailing information on record. Contact FEMA with any changes in your contact information.

I got a check from FEMA.  What can I use the money for?
FEMA sends you money to meet your housing and personal property needs related to the disaster.  You will receive a letter from FEMA telling you what the money covers.  Be sure to read the "Applicant's Guide," the booklet included with your letter, for additional information.

Will FEMA help me pay my utility bills?
No. FEMA's temporary housing program does not cover the expense of utilities that are not included in the Fair Market Rent. However, the State of Texas 2-1-1 service offers a direct connection to health and human services programs available in their communities. An operator on the free hotline can refer an individual in need of utility assistance to organizations that provide this type of service. Information and referral is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can be provided in more than 90 languages.

I lost my food because of the power outage.  Will I be reimbursed?
No. FEMA disaster assistance program does not cover food losses.  However, voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with a hot meal or other immediate food needs.

I purchased a generator.  Will I be reimbursed?
Possibly. In order for applicants to be considered for reimbursement for a generator purchased after the disaster, there must be an existing medical condition which requires applicant's to have equipment/appliance for medical purposes during extraordinary circumstances, a sustained period of power interruption caused by the disaster. Generators owned prior to a disaster will be proposed as personal property when the surrounding evidence supports the claim that the disaster caused the loss as verified by a FEMA inspector. To determine eligibility, the applicant will need to apply for assistance by phone at 1-800-621-3362, (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 or online at www.fema.gov first.

I have insurance. Is there other help available to me?
Yes. Although insurance should be your main source of money to get your life back on track after a disaster, there are many things that insurance does not cover. Federal disaster assistance including SBA low-interest disaster loans may help to make up the difference for under-insured losses, and there may be other state and federal programs that can provide help, such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Disaster Legal Services.
FEMA may be able to provide some assistance if the following situations occur after a claim is filed:
If an insurance settlement is delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim. In this case, you need to write a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. You should include documentation from the insurance company proving that you filed the claim. If you filed your claim over the telephone, you should include the claim number, date you applied, and an estimate of how long it will take to receive your settlement. Any help awarded to you by FEMA would be considered an advance and must be repaid to FEMA once an insurance settlement is received.
If the insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related needs and you have received the maximum settlement from your insurance and still have an unmet disaster-related need, you will need to write a letter to FEMA indicating the unmet disaster-related need and enclose documentation from your insurance company for review.
If you have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses provided by your insurance company and still need help with your disaster-related temporary housing need, write a letter to FEMA and also provide documentation to prove the Additional Living Expense from insurance did not meet your disaster-related needs, and a permanent housing plan.
Individuals have up to twelve months from the date they first registered with FEMA to submit their insurance information for review. By law, FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses covered by insurance.

Do I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance?
No. Do not wait, and do not delay repairs needed to make your house safe, sanitary and functional. However, if you have insurance, you may not be eligible for certain types of assistance until you provide your insurance settlement documentation. FEMA will consider what your policy covers to avoid duplication of benefits. Be sure to keep all insurance documents and receipts for any repair work and list your unmet disaster-related needs when you call FEMA to apply.

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FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010 14:46:21 EDT