Misconceptions May Cause Some To Miss Out On Disaster Aid 

Release Date: December 6, 2003
Release Number: 1500-31

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In the days and weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by half-truths and rumors concerning recovery help. Disaster officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services advise the best way to avoid misinformation is to verify facts with a responsible source.

Some common misconceptions concerning disaster assistance are:

I have insurance, so there’s no other help available to me.
Not True: Insurance is your first and main source for money to put your life back in order after a disaster. However, some people find out too late that they are underinsured. That’s where federal and state disaster programs may be able to help.

I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance.
Not True: You do not have to wait for an agent or adjuster’s inspection before applying for disaster assistance or repairing your home so that it is safe, secure and functional. However, you should be sure to keep papers and receipts for any work.

I have applied for disaster assistance before, so I can’t apply again.
Not True: Even if you have applied for and received disaster assistance before, perhaps as recently as earlier this year, you must apply again to be considered for help from the storms, flooding and landslides that occurred between November 11 and November 30.

If I apply with FEMA for assistance, the money I receive will come out of my Social Security check.
Not True: Assistance funds do not come out of Social Security funds and will not affect your monthly Social Security check.

There may not be enough money for everyone, and my neighbor needs the money more than I do.
Not True: There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant.

I already repaired my home. It’s too late to apply.
Not True: You could qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by your insurance. Keep all receipts for disaster-related repairs.

I got help from the Red Cross, so now I can't get help from FEMA or the State of West Virginia.
Not True: FEMA and the State of West Virginia coordinate a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the Red Cross and other voluntary agencies.

I got help from the Red Cross, so I'm already registered with FEMA.
Not True: Registering with the Red Cross or local and county officials is not the same as applying with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must apply by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired. The registration line is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily until further notice.

I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid.
Not True: Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. The programs are not welfare. The kinds of help provided depend on the applicant's circumstances and unmet needs.

I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan.
Not True: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which handles low-interest disaster loans for individuals and businesses, has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant’s eligibility. The SBA will decide whether or not you are able to repay a loan. If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be eligible for other assistance, but it is necessary to go through the SBA application process first.

I must own a business to get a loan from the SBA.
Not True: Don’t let the name fool you. In a presidential declaration, SBA is an important source of financial assistance. Renters and homeowners may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans for home or personal property losses based on the type and extent of uninsured or underinsured disaster-related losses.

I rent an apartment. I can't get help to replace my damaged property.
Not True: A renter may qualify for an SBA low-interest disaster loan to replace personal property. In some cases, grants may cover temporary housing needs if a renter has to move to another dwelling. Other grants may by available for disaster-related needs and expenses that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs.

I'm self-employed and out of work; I can't qualify for disaster unemployment benefits.
Not True: Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by the West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs, provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed. Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should visit the nearest employment services office. The deadline to apply is December 29, 2003.

If you suffered losses from the recent storms don’t disqualify yourself from federal/state assistance. Call the toll-free FEMA number 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) and let the experts determine your eligibility.

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: Monday, 08-Dec-2003 08:06:55