Disaster Assistance May Be Available Even If You Have Insurance 

Release Date: June 3, 2003
Release Number: 1463-45

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Springfield, MO -- Individuals who suffered damage from the Missouri tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that began May 4 and were insured may still be eligible for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"If you were uninsured or your insurance policy did not cover some of your disaster-related damages or losses, FEMA may be able to help," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Karl. "If your insurance company did not fully cover your losses, take the first step and register with FEMA."

Anyone who sustained damaged from the Missouri disaster should register with FEMA by calling the toll-free teleregistration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number for speech- and hearing-impaired individuals is 1-800-462-7585.

Often, an application for federal assistance is held as "pending" until an insurance claim is settled.

"We simply need to know how much insurance coverage is available to a disaster applicant before we can determine his or her eligibility for disaster assistance," explained Karl. "Consequently, it may take several weeks before survivors receive a check from FEMA for disaster assistance."

In some cases, FEMA sends out a progress letter that may indicate the applicant is not eligible for assistance. This is often sent to encourage people to update their applications by providing the additional required documentation. Federal law does not allow the government to provide disaster aid if losses have been fully compensated by an insurance claim.

Federal disaster assistance programs include grants for minimal home repairs, direct housing, and temporary rental assistance not covered by insurance. Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters or business owners are available to eligible applicants from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Other assistance programs include disaster unemployment assistance for self-employed individuals, legal services, and tax relief from the IRS.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 04-Jun-2003 10:17:25