Misunderstandings May Cause Some New Yorkers To Miss Out On Disaster Assistance
Release Date: May 19, 2007
Release Number: 1692-034
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- State and federal disaster assistance officials today said that some common misunderstandings about disaster assistance may deprive individuals of vital help from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"The last thing you need in a disaster is misinformation," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "The best way to avoid that problem is to call FEMA and register with us, and then visit a Disaster Recovery Center."
Residents in the seven counties eligible for Individual Assistance may register for assistance with FEMA by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily or register online at www.fema.gov. Registrants should be careful to use the name as it appears on their Social Security card.
State Coordinating Officer John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office added, "To get the most complete and accurate information, disaster victims need to take the first step to recovery by registering with FEMA."
Examples of some of the most common misinformation heard in past disasters are:
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I have insurance, so there is no other help available. Not true: FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, but applicants may be eligible for help with losses not covered or damage in excess of their insurance coverage (under-insured). That's why it is important to register for assistance even while you are working with your insurance company to assess your insurance coverage.
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I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance. Not true: Don't wait for an adjuster before applying for aid or making repairs needed to make your house livable. You should, however, find out what your policy covers and be sure to keep papers and receipts for any work.
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I already repaired my home. I don't need to apply. Not true: You might qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by insurance.
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I got help from the Red Cross, so now I can't get help from FEMA or the state. Not true: FEMA and the New York State Emergency Management Office coordinate a number of programs to help those who suffer disaster losses. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the Red Cross and other voluntary agencies.
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I got help from the Red Cross, so I'm already registered with FEMA. Not true: Registration with the Red Cross is not the same as registration with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
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I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid. Not true: The types of assistance provided depend on each applicant's circumstances. Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. The programs are not "welfare."
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I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan. Not true: If an applicant lives in a disaster-declared county he or she is eligible to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If the SBA cannot approve a loan, applicants may be referred to other agencies for additional assistance, but that can't happen if the completed application is not returned.
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I must own a business to apply for a loan from the SBA. Not true: SBA low-interest loans are the primary source of federal assistance for long-term recovery for homeowners, renters and business owners. SBA covers uninsured or underinsured losses for real estate damages as well as personal property damages.
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I rent an apartment. I can't get help. Not true: There are several types of assistance available to renters. One type of grant may help renters with temporary housing needs if they have to move because of disaster damage or loss. Another type of grant may be available to an eligible individual or family with disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs. Also, a renter may qualify for an SBA low-interest disaster loan.
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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 state, provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farm workers and those who are self-employed. Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should contact the New York State Unemployment Insurance Department of the state Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124.
The following Disaster Recovery Center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:
Town Center Senior Nutrition Community Center
740 West Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543
(Special Memorial Day weekend hours: Saturday, May 26 & Monday, May 28 - 8 a.m. to noon.)
The following Disaster Recovery Centers are open until Tuesday May 22, converting to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers beginning Wednesday. Hours for the DRC are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Sunday; the SBA center will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed on Memorial Day, May 28, 2007.
Westchester County
Eastchester Public Library
11 Oakridge Place
Eastchester, N.Y. 10709New Rochelle Emergency Center
90 Beaufort Place
New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Rockland County
Clarkstown Town Hall
10 Maple Ave.
New City, N.Y. 10956
The following DRCs are available for limited periods:
Richmond County
Staten Island Disaster Recovery Center
4434 Amboy Road
Staten Island, N.Y. 10312
Through Friday, May 25, noon to 8 p.m. weekdays; 12-4 weekends
Ulster County
Town of New Paltz
1 Veterans Drive
New Paltz, N.Y. 12561
12-6 p.m. Saturday May 19
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, May 21-22
Dutchess County
East Fishkill Fire Dept. Headquarters
2502 Route 52
Hopewell Junction, N.Y. 12533
12-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 23
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, May 24-25Dover Town Hall
126 E. Duncan Hill Road
Dover Plains, N.Y. 12522
12-4 p.m. Saturday, May 26
8 a.m. to noon Monday, May 28
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 & Wednesday, May 30
Disaster registrants from any declared county may visit any of the DRC locations for assistance.
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: Monday, 21-May-2007 09:22:59