BROOKLYN, NY. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida September 1-3, 2021 in the boroughs of the Bronx, Kings, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County should go online at DisasterAssistance.gov and apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the storm and flooding.
The boroughs of the Bronx, Kings, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the major disaster declaration signed by President Biden on September 5, 2021, for damage and losses from the September storms.
If you have a homeowner’s or flood insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying for federal assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin.
Survivors with internet or phone service may register with FEMA using the FEMA App, online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Operators are multilingual and those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. If you need accommodations for language or a disability, let the operator know.
You will need to have the following available:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses; and
- If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.
"I saw the devastation of New Yorkers who lost so much from this storm, and I pledged that we would do everything in our power to help them rebuild," Governor Hochul said. "I thank President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell for their swift approval of a Major Disaster Declaration, which provides a promise that we will build back better and stronger. Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and the entire New York Congressional delegation have provided vital help and support for our state — I thank them for their tireless efforts and remain fully committed to working with all of our partners to ensure New Yorkers get the relief they need from the devastating impacts of this horrible storm.”
Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit DisasterAssistance.gov to determine what federal, state, local, or voluntary agency assistance may be available to you.
“We’re working closely with the State, local and other partners to connect survivors with the resources they need to start their recovery from the impact of the remnants of Ida,” said Lai Sun Yee, FEMA’s chief coordinating official in New York.
Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and that do not duplicate benefits from other agencies or organizations.
If referred, applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov or by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.