Final Deadline For Applying For FEMA Disaster Assistance Is March 11
Release Date: February 20, 2006
Release Number: 1603-359
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- The last day for individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to apply for initial disaster assistance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is March 11, 2006. Individuals, families and business owners affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should not hesitate to register for disaster aid if they have not already done so.
A toll-free application telephone number is operational daily from 6 a.m. to midnight for those who suffered injury or property damage or loss in the declared counties affected by the disasters.
FEMA has operators available to take applications for disaster assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Non-English speakers should know registrations can be conducted in up to 173 languages.
Individuals may also register for disaster assistance online at the FEMA website www.fema.gov.
Click on "Online Individual Assistance Center" and the screens will prompt you through the process.
The Internet application expires after 30 minutes as a security precaution, and information entered will be lost if applicants do not complete the process within this time period.
Log on to www.fema.gov to submit an application.
I have not called to register with FEMA so far, why should I call now?
March 11, 2006 is the last day to apply for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program.
Those who are eligible under the program may receive:
- Temporary housing assistance;
- Replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs;
- Disaster unemployment assistance;
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners to repair or replace damaged property.
What information do I need when I call the FEMA Helpline or go online to register?
- A telephone number where you may be reached;
- Your addresses at both the time of the disaster and where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number , if available;
- A brief description of disaster-related damages and losses you suffered;
- Bank account information ( account number and routing number to receive a direct deposit). If applicants do not know the necessary information to sign up for a direct deposit, they should call their banks to get this information before starting an application. FEMA strongly encourages people to provide their bank account and routing numbers because many residents have relocated following the disasters and mailed checks may not reach them; individuals who do not have bank accounts may have assistance checks mailed to their present address.
- Insurance coverage, policy number(s) and agent's name.
Applicants should contact their insurance company and file necessary claims before contacting FEMA, as Government assistance does not cover damage or losses already covered by private insurance.
The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is March 11, 2006.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:28:31