Frequently Asked Questions On Applying For Assistance
Release Date: May 15, 2007
Release Number: 1694-022
» More Information on New Jersey Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- New Jersey homeowners and renters in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset or Union counties who were affected by the April nor'easter storm may be eligible for Individual Assistance from the U.S. 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 online at www.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 only for the speech or 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. Grants do not have to be repaid. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property. SBA also offers low-interest working capital loans to small businesses with working capital needs as a result of the disaster. The disaster loans cover uninsured or uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
Is assistance available to help prevent future damage?
Yes, FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to the state of New Jersey. Eligible public applicants can receive this mitigation assistance through the state. FEMA defines mitigation as any action taken to prevent or reduce adverse effects from disasters. Methods that may reduce the risk for future flooding include elevating flood-prone homes and businesses, retrofitting buildings to minimize damage and reinforcing floodwall systems to protect critical facilities. If you are approved for an SBA disaster loan you may request an increase to your loan of up to 20% of your loan amount to pay for mitigation measures.
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 that 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, so disaster programs may be able to help. You should not wait for your insurance settlement to apply to SBA. SBA will process your application subject to your insurance settlement.
I have applied. What happens next?
After you apply FEMA will mail a copy of the application to you 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 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 best to make all these programs work for you.
If your home or its contents are damaged and you do not have insurance, a FEMA inspector will contact you within about 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.
Homeowners and renters who receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should complete and return it to SBA, even if they are not sure if they need or want a loan. They will have plenty of time to decide once they know what assistance is available to them. If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, other disaster assistance may not be available. FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete and submit an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. Contact SBA 1-800-659-2955 if you have any questions.
How can I check the status of my case?
Applicants may visit a local Disaster Recovery Center or go online to www.fema.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired.
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 refugee or asylum status. Qualified aliens include those on parole into the U.S. for at least one year for humanitarian purposes, those with conditional entry, those who are Cuban-Haitian entrants, and those with petitions for relief based on battery or extreme cruelty by a family member. 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. Another adult household member may qualify for household assistance if he or she is a documented immigrant. You may also be eligible under different programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance. An undocumented immigrant may be eligible for short-term, non-cash emergency aid provided by FEMA.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-May-2007 13:38:08