AskFEMA #1
Release Date: September 17, 2005
Release Number: 1603-018
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BATON ROUGE, La. - This is the first in a series of columns answering commonly asked disaster recovery questions. Additional "Ask FEMA" columns will be released weekly as the response and recovery effort continues.
How do I apply for disaster help?
If you lived in a disaster area declared by the President and need disaster help, call toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech- or hearing-impairment call TTY 1-800-462-7585. You can also apply online at www.FEMA.gov. Click on "Online Individual Assistance Center" and the screens will prompt you through the process. If you get a busy signal when you call the 800 number try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when fewer people are trying to call.
Before you call you should gather together some basic information. You will need your social security number, current and pre-disaster address, phone numbers, type of insurance coverage, total household annual income, and a routing and account number from your bank if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account. When you apply you should have a pen and paper available to write down important phone contacts.
Is there any cost associated with registering for disaster assistance?
No. There are no costs related with registering for and receiving federal disaster assistance. If you are asked to pay for federal disaster assistance, contact FEMAs fraud and abuse hotline at 1-800-323-8603 or your state Attorney General.
What types of assistance can FEMA provide?
The following list describes the types of assistance available through FEMAs Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and what each provides:
- Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time) - Money is available to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.
- Repair - Money is available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.
- Replacement: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.
- Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.
- Other Needs: Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage, and other expenses that are authorized by law.
Last Modified: Sunday, 18-Sep-2005 11:00:14