Guide to disaster assistance
Release Date: October 4, 2004
Release Number: 1549-025
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Understanding FEMA and state disaster assistance can help hurricane victims make sound decisions as they begin to rebuild their lives. The following is intended to provide basic information about the disaster recovery process and long-term recovery programs.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Temporary housing – Financial assistance to rent a different place to live or a temporary housing unit, if rental properties are not available.
Minor home repair – Financial assistance for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe and sanitary, so that homeowners can move back into their homes.
Other needs assistance – Financial assistance for serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. These include medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, and other items.
Homeowners may need to apply for an U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan before receiving Other Needs Assistance from FEMA and the state of Alabama. SBA loans are the primary source of long-term recovery assistance. (See more on SBA assistance below.)
APPLYING FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
- The only way to apply for federal assistance is to call the toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing- or speech-impairment. Phone lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are also available to assist callers. Be patient if you get a busy signal. Call a few hours later or at night when call volume is down.
- Registration takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. You will be asked general information about your income, your insurance and how badly your residence or business was damaged. Be prepared to give details about your housing needs.
- You will be given an application control number, which will help locate your application in the system. Write this number down so you will have it handy for future reference.
- More information on disaster assistance may be found at www.fema.gov.
- FEMA assistance does not make you whole again, but we can provide assistance to help you on the road to recovery. It starts with a call to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
THE ASSISTANCE PROCESS
- Within 7-10 days, a FEMA inspector will call you to arrange an appointment to inspect your damaged home or apartment.
- A brief inspection must be completed in order to verify the damages.
- Inspectors must show you official photo ID to prove their identity. If an inspector asking for access to your home cannot show you a photo ID, do not let them into your home and call your local law enforcement agency.
- Damage inspectors do not recommend repairs or charge for their services.
- If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you will be mailed a check or have funds transferred through direct deposit and will be mailed a separate letter explaining how you may use the money. In some cases, funds may arrive before the letter from FEMA.
- You may receive a grant for short-term rental assistance if your home or apartment is unlivable because of the disaster.
- You may also receive assistance in the form of a grant to make essential home repairs in order to make the residence safe and sanitary. The housing repair grant is only for repairs to make primary rooms functional, such as the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) may be located in your area to provide an opportunity to ask questions and talk with disaster recovery specialists face-to-face. Check your local newspapers for locations.
THE SBA PROCESS
- The SBA may send you a loan application 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 and return this application. If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, other forms of assistance to you will be delayed.
- You can receive face-to-face help in filling out the SBA loan application at any Disaster Recovery Center or SBA Workshop. For the nearest location, call the SBA Helpline at
1-800-359-2227, or check your local newspaper for locations. - SBA low-interest disaster loans are for renters, homeowners, landlords, business owners and non-profit organizations that suffered damage or loss due to the disaster. Loan terms on all loans can be up to 30 years. Low-interest SBA loans are a primary source of funding for long-term recovery.
- Qualified homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 for real estate repairs. Renters and homeowners may qualify to borrow up to $40,000 for replacement of disaster-damaged personal property.
- Businesses and non-profit organizations may apply for up to $1.5 million for losses not fully covered by insurance.
- SBA loans are made for the repair or replacement of real estate or personal property. You may borrow up to 20 percent more to spend on things that will help keep your damage from occurring again.
March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Oct-2004 12:20:37