Disaster Assistance for Individuals

                       Common Questions

 

 

Low‑Interest Loans. Most, but not all, federal assistance is in the form of low interest loans to cover expenses not covered by state or local programs, or private insurance. People who do not qualify for loans may be able to apply for a cash grant. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), offer low interest loans to eligible individuals, farmers and businesses to repair or replace damaged property and personal belongings not covered by insurance.

 

Cash grants for up to $13,600 adjusted annually for inflation. Individuals who do not qualify for a loan from SBA may be eligible for these grants from State to help recover unmet necessary expenses and serious needs. These unmet necessary expenses and serious needs include medical, dental, and funeral expenses that are incurred as a result of the disaster. Home inspections are normally conducted before a check is issued. FEMA funds 75% of the grant program's eligible costs with the remaining 25% covered by the state. The state administers the program, known as the Individual And Family Grant (IFG) program.

 

Housing Assistance. FEMA's Disaster Housing Program (DHA) makes funds and services available to individuals whose homes are unlivable because of a disaster.

Veterans Benefits. The Department of Veterans' Affairs provides death benefits, pensions, insurance settlements and adjustments to home mortgages for veterans.

Tax Refunds. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows certain casualty losses to be deducted on Federal income tax returns for the year of the loss or through an immediate amendment to the previous year's return.

 

Unemployment Benefits. Disaster Unemployment assistance and unemployment insurance benefits may be available through the state unemployment office and supported by the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

Crisis Counseling. The purpose of the crisis counseling program is to help relieve any stress or mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster or its aftermath. These short‑term services, provided by FEMA as supplemental funds granted to State and local mental health agencies, are only available to eligible survivors of Presidentially‑declared major disasters. Those who may require this confidential service should inquire about it while registering for disaster assistance. Or they may contact FEMA's toll‑free Helpline number 1‑800‑525‑0321 (TTY 1‑800‑462‑7585) to find out where these services can be obtained.

                        Commom Questions

 

Am I eligible for disaster assistance? How do I apply?

Individuals, families, farmers and businesses are eligible for federal assistance if they live or own a business in a county declared a Major Disaster Area, incur sufficient property damage or loss, and, depending on the type of assistance, do not have the insurance or resources to meet their needs.

 

To apply for Disaster Housing and Individual and Family Grant assistance, all you have to do is call the special tollfree telephone number, 1‑800‑462‑9029 (TTY: 1‑800‑462‑7585) and register. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers will process your application. SBA and FSA applications may be made at locally‑announced locations.

 

Your rights

Each Federal agency that provides Federal financial assistance is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination in the use of its funds. If you believe that you or others protected by Civil Rights laws have been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of FEMA’s Equal Rights Officers (ERO), who has the job of ensuring equal access to all FEMA disaster programs. The ERO will attempt to resolve your issues. You can read more about your civil rights on the FEMA site.

 

What if I don't have any (or enough) Insurance?

You may qualify for grants from FEMA, low‑interest loans from theSmall Business Administration or the Farm Service Agency (FSA) , or you may qualify for tax refunds for items that were not covered by insurance. For federal tax information, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1‑800‑829‑1040 (TTY: 1‑800‑822‑6268) for assistance. Information on tax assistance, grants and loans can be obtained at a Disaster Recovery Center(DRC) that may be set up after the President declares a major disaster. You can also call 1‑800‑462‑9029 (TTY: 1‑800‑462‑7585) to register for assistance over the phone.

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What if I can't afford to rebuild?

FEMA may be able to provide money to make emergency repairs to make your home habitable. If you have the ability to repay a loan, the Small Business Administration offers loans at low‑interest rates for home repairs and personal property. If you are ineligible for a loan, you can also apply for a cash grant from the State. In addition, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides loans to help eligible low‑ and very low‑income applicants buy, build, or repair housing located in rural areas. For additional information or to apply for assistance, contact the local FSA County Office serving the areas where the house is located. To apply for FEMA's Disaster Housing and for state grant assistance, all you have to do is call the special tollfree telephone number, 1‑800‑462‑9029 (TTY: 1‑800‑462‑7585)and register. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers will process your application. [COMMENT2]