Frequently Asked Questions on Applying For FEMA Assistance
Individual Assistance available in ten Wilma-affected counties
Release Date: October 29, 2005
Release Number: 1609-007
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Wilma
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida residents living in Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties may be eligible for Individual Assistance from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To be considered for such assistance, residents must first apply with FEMA.
How do I apply?
There are two ways to apply for disaster assistance. Residents can apply on-line through www.fema.gov. They can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired.
What kinds of assistance are available?
Individual Assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other aid programs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. Grants do not have to be repaid, but loans from the SBA must be repaid.
Am I eligible for Individual Assistance if I already have insurance?
You should apply for assistance even if you have insurance, because you may find you are under-insured or have unmet needs after your insurance settlement. If you have not already contacted your insurance agent to file a claim, please do this as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for assistance. Insurance is your main source for money to put your life back in order after a disaster. But there are many things that insurance does not cover. That is where federal disaster programs may be able to help.
I have applied. What happens next?
After you apply, FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and a copy of "Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program," which will answer many of your questions. This very useful publication explains how FEMA's disaster assistance program works; describes additional kinds of help you may qualify for from other federal, state and voluntary agencies; and gives you many important tips on how to best make all these programs work for you.
If your home or its contents are damaged and you do not have insurance, an inspector should contact you within 10 days after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home. All inspectors carry photo ID that shows they are affiliated with the U.S. government. If you get an SBA Disaster Loan application in the mail, you must complete and return the application to be considered for a loan as well as certain types of grant assistance.
How can I check the status of my case?
Go to www.fema.gov then click on "Online Individual Assistance Center" and follow the instructions for accessing your account information. Or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
Do I have to be a legal U.S. resident to receive Individual Assistance?
Yes. To be eligible for cash assistance from FEMA you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. A qualified alien generally includes individuals who are lawful permanent residents (possessing an alien registration receipt card) or those with legal status due to asylum, refugee, parole (admission into the U.S. for humanitarian purposes), withholding of deportation, or domestic violence. Check with an immigration expert if you have questions about your legal status.
Is there any assistance available for undocumented immigrants?
You may apply for Individual Assistance on behalf of your child who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. Or another adult household member may qualify for household assistance if he or she is a documented immigrant. You may also be eligible under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance. And undocumented immigrants may be eligible for short-term, non-cash, emergency aid provided by FEMA.
Even if you or your family do not qualify for FEMA cash assistance, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, or at TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired, for information and to be referred to other programs that can assist you regardless of your immigration status. FEMA is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 and prohibited from sharing personally identifiable information - including immigration status.
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida's state agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT's mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impacts. Visit www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief efforts.
Last Modified: Monday, 31-Oct-2005 11:15:51