FEMA disaster relief information

Federal disaster assistance will not duplicate benefits but may provide for uncovered losses. Grants may be available to help pay for rental assistance and emergency home repairs. Reimbursement for other serious disaster-related expenses may include medical, dental, funeral or burial costs.

Homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profit organizations may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to aid recovery from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other sources. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but the application must be filled out to receive other types of assistance.

Following are the three basic steps to receiving disaster assistance:

Step One: Registration

Register by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments. Specialists are standing by at the toll-free numbers seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help in other languages is available. You can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov. You can apply through a web-enabled mobile device by visiting m.fema.gov and following the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”

If you have insurance, contact your agent before registering with FEMA.

When calling FEMA, you will need your Social Security number, current mailing address, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the damages and any insurance information, including the policy number and the name of your agent, and a phone number where you can be reached.

Fill out and return your SBA low-interest disaster loan application if you receive one. Returning the application does not obligate you to accept an SBA loan, but the application must be filled out in order to be considered for other types of disaster assistance.

Step Two: Inspections

After you register, a FEMA-contracted housing inspector will call you to set up an appointment to inspect your property. There is no charge for this service, but it is a necessary step to determine damages.

Make sure your home or mailbox number is easily visible from the road. As part of the inspection process, you must provide proof of ownership or occupancy. Homeowners may show a tax bill, deed, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address. Renters may show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID.

Step Three: Keep in Touch

Among the top five reasons applicants fail to receive federal assistance grants is FEMA’s inability to contact them after they apply. FEMA tries to reach applicants numerous times before a decision on an application is made. It is vital that you inform FEMA of any change in telephone number and/or mailing address. This can be done by simply calling the FEMA Helpline (see below) or by visiting the disaster assistance website.

Receiving a FEMA Grant

FEMA will issue funds if you are found eligible for a grant under the Individuals and Households Program. If you have provided banking information to FEMA, the funds will be deposited directly into your account. This option can often speed up the process of receiving assistance.

For more information, see Storm Briefs (page 6).