Disaster Assistance For Air Purifiers, HEPA Vacs Still Available; Registration Deadline Sept. 30
Release Date: July 30, 2002
Release Number: 1391-132
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New York, NY -- New Yorkers concerned about air quality issues in their homes, as a result of the World Trade Center (WTC) attack, should apply for assistance through the Individual and Family Grant Program (IFGP), administered by the New York State Department of Labor.
While the program is funded 75 percent by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), IFGP is entirely administered by the state of New York, as required by law. It is designed to help residents affected by the attack to cover the costs of necessary expenses and serious disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.
Under IFGP guidelines, New Yorkers may be eligible for reimbursement for the purchase of air purifiers, air filters, vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, and repair or replacement of air conditioners. Individuals living in the five counties of New York City (New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens and Richmond) are eligible. Those living outside of New York City may apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
"The Individual and Family Grant Program is a safety net for those still struggling with financial obligations from the attack. There is only one number to call to begin the process for assistance of this type, and that is the FEMA teleregistration line, 1-800-462-9029," said Edward F. Jacoby, Jr. state coordinating officer.
Program officials stress that IFGP is not designed to provide new air conditioners to applicants. If an air conditioner owned prior to Sept. 11 was damaged by dust or debris from the collapse of the World Trade Center, including heavy dust infiltration, the applicant may be eligible for repair or replacement. However, such assistance may require an authorized IFGP inspection of the air conditioning unit prior to repair or replacement.
Applicants must first register with FEMA by calling 1-800-462-9029. FEMA automatically forwards the registration information to New York State IFGP offices. An IFGP representative acknowledges the applicant's request by mail, outlining specific information needed to determine eligibility for air quality items and providing return forms on which the applicant must indicate this requested information. Applicants must return the completed forms to IFGP offices before eligibility for reimbursement can be determined.
New Yorkers also should also be aware that many of the flyers and websites seen throughout the metropolitan area claiming that residents can receive "free" air purifiers, air conditioners, or HEPA filter-equipped vacuums contain incorrect information. Some of these flyers and websites promote a special, non-FEMA number to call. These flyers and websites are really for the benefit of the promoters who have no connection to FEMA or the IFGP. FEMA and New York State program officials urge caution in responding to flyers and websites selling air quality equipment.
"Many New Yorkers are simply not aware that they may be eligible for this assistance program and have not yet applied," said FEMA Recovery Officer Brad Gair. "The application deadline for IFGP is September 30, 2002, and we encourage those in need to register as soon as possible."
Those who haven't registered with FEMA should call the Teleregistration line at 1-800-462-9029 to begin the process. Operators are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Interpreters are available to accommodate the many language communities in the New York metropolitan area. The speech- or hearing-impaired should call 1-800-462-7585.
The FEMA Applicant Assistance Center at 141 Worth St. (the former DMV building) in Lower Manhattan remains open to help new applicants, as well as those who have already registered. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Last Modified: Friday, 03-Oct-2003 16:46:16