Fact Sheet: Rumors vs. Facts about Disaster Assistance for Georgians

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Temporary Housing

RUMOR:  There is a shortage of housing options for residents—both homeowners and renters—displaced by the storm.

FACT:  Assessments are ongoing to determine the housing need for communities impacted by Georgia’s January storms and to determine the availability of rental resources in or near the affected communities.

At this time, FEMA’s initial assessment reflects adequate rental resources in the area to take care of those displaced by the storms.

Renters

RUMOR: Renters can’t get FEMA aid.

FACT: Renters in designated counties whose homes were made unlivable by a disaster may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants for rental assistance and other serious disaster-related needs.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

RUMOR: The SBA gives loans to businesses only.
FACT: In a disaster, SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters for disaster damage not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

FEMA Registration

RUMOR: Survivors cannot register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.
FACT: Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured and underinsured losses and damage.

Payments for Food

RUMOR: FEMA grants are available to pay for food losses.
FACT: FEMA does not provide grants to replace food items.

FEMA Inspectors

RUMOR: It takes weeks before a FEMA housing inspector visits.
FACT: On this recovery operation, it is taking only one or two days for an inspector to call and schedule a property inspection.

Receiving Payments

RUMOR: It takes a long time for disaster aid to reach survivors.
FACT: Many survivors who have registered with FEMA have already received grants. FEMA will continue to process assistance for eligible survivors as applications are received.

Effect of Grants on Other Programs

RUMOR: Grants from FEMA reduce Social Security benefits.
FACT: Disaster assistance does not count as income. FEMA assistance will not affect Social Security or other federal benefits.

Debris Removal

RUMOR: The county will charge individuals if they don't have debris removed in a week.
FACT: Debris removal guidelines vary by location. For accurate information about what’s happening in your area, contact your county or city offices. FEMA does not remove debris but will reimburse eligible local governments for much of the cost of disaster debris removal.

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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