PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – Now that you have registered with FEMA, what happens next?
The process is simple. Inspectors with valid identification will contact you to check damage to the structure such as heating, plumbing, electrical, flooring, wallboard and foundation. They will also record damage to major appliances—washer, dryer, refrigerator—and other serious needs such as clothing lost or damaged in the disaster.
Inspectors use specialized software so that every applicant gets the same inspection. They record losses but do not determine how much assistance you may qualify for. This inspection should not be confused with other assessments that you may have received.
Things you need when an inspector arrives:
- You or member of your household who is at least 18 years old must be present.
- You will need to show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, etc.
- Proof of occupancy such as title, mortgage payment record in name of resident.
- Owners need to present evidence of ownership such as insurance in owner’s name, title, mortgage receipts.
- Renters need to present proof of rental such as rent receipts, lease agreement, utility bill in name of renter, landlord’s name and phone number.
What is next?
- Within a few days, you will receive a letter, text, or email to tell you the decision about your claim.
- If you are eligible for assistance, you will receive funds by check or electronic transfer.
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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).
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.
The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.