Disaster Victims With Insurance May Still Be Eligible For Federal Assistance 

Release Date: July 23, 2003
Release Number: 1474-67

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

Charleston, WV -- West Virginians with insurance who have also applied for disaster assistance to help recover from the recent storms, flooding and landslides, may need to supply additional information about their insurance claim before their FEMA application can be processed.

"Federal assistance is designed to help those with uninsured or under-insured losses caused by a disaster," explains Federal Coordinating Officer Louis Botta. "We cannot duplicate benefits, so we need to know the amount of insurance coverage available to an applicant before eligibility for disaster assistance can be determined."

Applicants who receive a letter stating their claim for federal assistance has been deemed ineligible should contact their insurance company and request a settlement letter. Settlement information - as well as any new or additional information gained since the initial application for disaster assistance was filed - should be mailed by the applicant to the address provided in the letter from FEMA.

Another option is to take the insurance settlement letter to a FEMA/state Disaster Recovery Center where recovery specialists can help individuals update and appeal their applications for disaster assistance. The addresses and hours of operation for centers throughout the disaster-declared counties are available by calling the FEMA toll-free Helpline at (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or (800) 462-7585 for the hearing/speech impaired.

If, after all insurance information has been submitted, an applicant is found to be ineligible for a grant, he or she may still be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In addition, disaster unemployment assistance, free crisis counseling, legal and tax assistance, and many other programs are available to help disaster victims, regardless of insurance coverage.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Jul-2003 16:16:35