Disaster Aid Means No Loss Of Benefits For Those Receiving Social Security 

Release Date: November 7, 2007
Release Number: 1731-021

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PASADENA, Calif. -- Californians who receive Social Security should not be concerned that applying for, or receiving, state and federal disaster-related financial assistance may cause them to sacrifice their benefits.

"A state or federal grant will not add to taxable income, as long as the grant is given as assistance to recover from a disaster," said State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES). "This means that receiving disaster aid will not affect Social Security benefits."

Additionally, disaster grants will not affect income levels to the point where a senior would no longer be eligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, or food stamps.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are not repaid by the recipient.

Those who suffered damages and losses as a result of the recent California wildfires should register with FEMA to find out about services that may be available to them. To apply for federal and state assistance, call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Lines are open   24-hours, daily until further notice. Disaster victims may also register online at www.fema.gov.

After applying with FEMA, disaster victims may receive, in the mail, a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Application. To be considered for other forms of disaster assistance, it is important to complete and submit the SBA application.

Those who receive a disaster loan application, and have questions, can contact SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339 or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. They also can go to any disaster assistance center (see attached list of all disaster assistance centers ) to get help filling out the application.

LOCATION/County HOURS

Activites Center - George A. Caravalho, Santa Clarita Complex (DRC)
20880 Centre Pointe Parkway,
Santa Clarita, CA
(Los Angeles County)

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat. - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
closed Sundays.

Closed on Nov.11 for Veterans Day

 

 

Malibu Bluff's Park (SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center)
24250 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
(Los Angeles County)

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
closed Sundays

 

 

One Stop Center / strip mall (SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center)
125 Technology Way, Irvine, CA
(Orange County)

Mon. - Fr., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
closed Saturdays and Sundays.

 

 

Robert Hootman Senior/Community Center (DRC)
2929 Running Springs School Road, Running Springs, CA
(San Bernardino County)

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
closed Sundays

 

 

National Orange Fairgrounds (DRC)  
689 South "E" Street, San Bernardino, CA
(San Bernardino County)

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
closed Sundays

 

 

Rancho Bernardo Glassman Recreation Center 
18448 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA
(San Diego County)

Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Sat.,  8 a.m. to 4 .pm.
Sun., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

 

Ramona Community School
1710 Montecito Road, Ramona, CA
(San Diego County)

Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Sat.,  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun.,  9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

 

Fallbrook Community Center 
341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, CA
(San Diego County)

Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Sat.,  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

 

Rancho San Diego - Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy., El Cajon, CA
(San Diego County)

Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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: Thursday, 08-Nov-2007 08:57:47