Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Includes
Release Date: October 15, 2004
Release Number: 1549-006
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan
Following is a summary of key federal and state disaster aid programs that were made available to Alabamians under President Bush's Sept.15 disaster declaration issued in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.
Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Includes:
- Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended after the initial period based upon a review of individual circumstances. (FEMA funded and administered.)
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and secure. (FEMA funded and administered.)
- 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. (FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs, 25 percent funded by the state.)
- Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for regular state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. ( FEMA funded, state administered.)
- Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $1.5 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (U.S. Small Business Administration.)
- Loans up to $1.5 million for small businesses that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $1.5 million. (U.S. Small Business Administration.)
- Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
- Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advice for legal issues, veterans benefits and social security matters.
- FEMA cannot reimburse applicants for losses covered by insurance or duplicate assistance from local governments or charitable organizations.
How to Apply for Assistance:
- Residents and businesses in designated disaster counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
- Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
- Be patient. If you get a busy signal, consider calling during off-hours. Lines are open around the clock.
- Because of the high volume of calls, disaster officials are encouraging those with minor damage to call at a later date so that those with the most urgent needs are able to get assistance first.
- For more information on Hurricane Ivan disaster recovery, visit FEMA's website at www.fema.gov, and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) disaster website at www.ema.alabama.gov.
- FEMA is committed to working with the state of Alabama throughout the long-term recovery from Hurricane Ivan.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 15-Oct-2004 10:29:11