Registration Line Available 24/7 For FEMA Assistance
Release Date: October 9, 2008
Release Number: 1800-003
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Residents and businesses of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties with property damage from the severe storms and flooding that began on Sept. 13 may call a toll-free registration line operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for assistance.
The number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Both phone numbers are available around the clock to help callers apply for a variety of federal and state assistance programs, including grants and low interest loans. In addition, online registration is available at www.fema.gov.
Registration is the first step toward finding out if you're eligible for FEMA assistance. Even if you have already filled out a damage report form with the state, county emergency manager, or voluntary agency, you must still register with FEMA to be eligible for federal assistance.
When applying with FEMA, be sure to have the following information available:
- Your current phone number;
- 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 you suffered;
- If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
- Household financial information; and
- Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only. Types of assistance offered under the Individual Assistance program may include:
- Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable;
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance;
- Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs; and
- Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as farmers and other self-employed individuals.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers disaster assistance programs for both individuals and businesses. Low-interest loans are available to renters and homeowners to cover their losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans are available up to $200,000 for a primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 for personal property.
Loans are available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. Small business and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes may be eligible for up $2 million in loans to cover ordinary operating expenses that otherwise cannot be paid because of the disaster.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Oct-2008 13:51:40