Registering For Disaster Assistance Is Easy 

Release Date: January 8, 2001
Release Number: 1355-02

» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Winter Storm

Oklahoma City, OK -- Appling for disaster assistance is easy to do said Federal Emergency Management Agency's C. Michel Butler, federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery in Oklahoma. The following is a summary of the process to help applicants understand what to expect.

Here's how you start. Call the toll--free registration number 1--800--462--9029. This is the ONLY way to get into the system.

Here's what will happen next. You will be asked general information about your income, your insurance and how you were affected by the storm. You should give details about your housing needs. You will be given a control number, which will help locate you in the system in the future. Write this number down so you will have it handy.

A few days later. A FEMA inspector will call you to make an appointment to visit your damaged home or apartment if you have indicated a housing need. You will be asked for personal identification. You will also be asked to sign a paper saying that you were either a U.S. citizen, non--citizen national, or qualified alien at the time of the disaster.

Later on If you qualify for the FEMA housing program, within about a week you will get a check and separate letter explaining how you may use the money. You may get checks from other programs later. This U.S. Government check may be for rental assistance if your home or apartment is unlivable because of the disaster. If you are a homeowner, the check may be a FEMA housing repair grant for essential repairs to make your residence safe, secure and livable. FEMA will give you a helping hand on the road to recovery.

U.S. Small Business Administration loans. FEMA only make grants to disaster victims. Low interest loans to businesses, homeowners and renters are made through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Eligibility for a loan will be determined by the SBA through the registration process. If you are qualified, the SBA will mail you a loan packet. It is very important to complete this packet and return it. You can receive face--to--face help in filling out the SBA loan packet at an office location near you. To find this location call the Helpline at 1--800--525--0321.

An SBA goal is to return you to your pre--disaster condition. The SBA low-- interest disaster loan is for renters, homeowners, businesses and non--profit organizations that suffered losses due to the disaster. If you are a homeowner you may be able to borrow up to $200,000 for the structure. If you are a renter or homeowner you may be able to borrow up to $40,000 for personal property. Businesses may apply for up to $1.5 million for property loss and economic injury.

If the SBA determines you cannot repay a loan, your file may be forwarded to the Individual and Family Grant program.

The Individual and Family Grant Program. The Individual and Family Grant program is administered by the State of Oklahoma. Assistance for this program is only for serious needs and will not cover all of your lost items. All applicants considered for the IFG program will receive a letter from the state two to three weeks following the referral. This letter will explain the status of your application. If you qualify for the IFG program a check will be issued by the state. If you have questions after you receive the IFG letter you should call the Helpline number.

To apply for disaster assistance programs by telephone call : 1--800--462--9029, TTY (for the hearing-- and speech--impaired):1--800--462--7585.

Last Modified: Monday, 20-Oct-2003 13:48:03