Federal/State Team Makes Disaster Assistance Easy
Release Date: February 11, 2002
Release Number: 1401-05
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Oklahoma City, OK -- Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are designed to meet emergency needs in the form of disaster grants for immediate housing requirements and emergency repairs. These programs are meant to help people begin their recovery; they are not designed to return peoples lives to their pre-disaster condition.
By contrast, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) help homeowners, renters and business owners of all sizes make a down payment on their future. SBA is the primary source of long-term disaster recovery loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes. Understanding the steps of the federal/state recovery process can help people reduce the confusion brought on by the disaster, sort out the information available, and make the decisions required to begin rebuilding their lives.
Emergency Response
During disasters, emergency services including medical, fire, or evacuation, are provided by local and state first responders. Short-term emergency needs, such as shelter, food, and clothing, normally are provided through a number of voluntary agencies like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and faith-based organizations, among others.
Applying For Federal/State Disaster Assistance
- The only way to apply for federal/state assistance is to call the toll-free number at 1 800 621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call 1 800 462-7585 (TTY).
- Even if you have already reported your disaster damages to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or your local or county government, you need to call the toll-free number. The call to 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) is your application for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs.
- You will be asked general information about your income, your insurance and how badly your residence or business was damaged. You should give details about your housing needs.
- You will be given a registration number, which will help locate you in the system in the future. Write this number down so you will have it handy.
- After you have applied, you can call the same toll-free numbers 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1 800 462-7585, if you have questions about the assistance process, what programs are available, or how grant money can be used, or to check on the status of your application.
- Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.
The Assistance Process
- Within a few days, a FEMA inspector may call you to make an appointment to visit your damaged home or apartment.
- The FEMA inspector will come and look at disaster-related damages as they relate to federal and state programs.
- You will be asked to sign a form stating that you were lawfully present in the United States at the time of the disaster. You will need to present identification.
- If you qualify for the FEMA disaster-housing program, usually within a week after your inspection you may get a check and separate letter explaining how you may use the check. You may get checks from other programs later.
- This U.S. Government check may be used 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 sanitary.
The SBA Process
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan packet after you make that first call to 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1 800 462-7585 to apply. It is very important to complete this packet and return it.
- If the SBA determines you cannot repay a loan, your name may then be forwarded for consideration under the Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG). If you do not fill out and turn in the SBA application, then you cannot be referred to the IFG program, regardless of additional needs.
- You can receive face-to-face help in filling out the SBA loan packet at a Disaster Recovery Center near you. To find this location, call the toll-free number at 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1 800 462-7585.
- An SBA goal is to return you to your pre-disaster condition. The SBA low interest disaster loan is for renters, homeowners, business owners and non-profit organizations that suffered damage or losses due to the disaster. (About 80 percent of SBA disaster loans are made to homeowners and renters.)
- Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property such as clothing, furniture, cars, etc.
- Non-farm businesses of any size and non-profit organizations may apply for up to $1.5 million to repair or replace business assets like inventory, machinery and equipment damaged by the disaster. Small businesses that suffered economic losses may apply for the SBAs economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs) for up to $1.5 million, even if the business was not physically damaged during the disaster. Loans are limited to $1.5 million for physical and economic losses combined.
Individual And Family Grant Program
- The Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) is administered by the state. Assistance for this program is only for serious unmet needs not covered by other assistance programs, and will not cover all of your lost items.
- If you do not qualify for an SBA loan you may be considered for the IFG Program. Businesses are not eligible for the IFG program.
- 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 state check will be enclosed. If you have questions after you receive the IFG Program letter, you should call FEMAs toll-free number.
- The State of Oklahoma has elected to provide assistance for applicants who had to purchase generators, chainsaws, non-electric heaters and firewood during the disaster incident period.
- Counties eligible for individual disaster assistance include Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Major, McClain, Noble, Nowata, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, Rogers, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Tulsa, Washington, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.
Last Modified: Monday, 25-Aug-2003 13:36:25