The Three Step Process to Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 13, 2009
Release Number: 1829-019
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Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakotans in the 26 declared counties who sustained damage or property losses as a result of severe storms and flooding that began on March 13 should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - even if they have insurance or believe they will not qualify for assistance. The application process is simple, but important, because insurance might not cover everything, and FEMA may provide assistance that can address specific needs.
Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses, such as medical, dental, funeral or burial expenses, not covered by insurance or other sources.
Also, homeowners, renters, and business owners may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help North Dakotans recover from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other sources.
Following are the three basic steps to getting disaster assistance from FEMA.
Step One: Registration
Register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Specialists are available from 6 a.m. to midnight (CDT) to help applicants through the registration process. In addition, residents can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- When applicants call FEMA they should have Social Security number, current mailing address, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the damages and any insurance information, including the policy number and the name of insurance agent, and a phone number where they can be reached.
- If an applicant receives an SBA low-interest loan packet, be sure to fill it out and return it. Returning the application does not obligate the applicant to accept an SBA loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.
Step Two: Inspections
An applicant will receive an identification number and will need that number to refer to his or her application. In a few days, a FEMA-contracted inspector will call the applicant to set up an appointment to inspect the damaged property. There is no charge for this service, but it is a necessary step to determine damages. All inspectors wear FEMA identification badges and are required to show it to the applicant before the inspection process.
As part of the inspection process, the applicant must provide proof of ownership or occupancy:
- Homeowners may show a tax bill, deed, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property's address.
- Renters may show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
- Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver's license or other photo ID.
Step Three: Receiving Assistance
FEMA will issue disaster assistance funds to eligible applicants. If the applicant has provided banking information to FEMA, the funds will be deposited directly into the applicant's bank account. This option can often speed up the process of receiving assistance.
For any assistance along the way - with help filling out the applications, general questions, or progress reports - call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
The following North Dakota counties were added for Individual Assistance on April 10: Adams, Barnes, Billings, Burleigh, Cass, Dickey, Emmons, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Mercer, Morton, Nelson, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Towner, Traill and Williams.
Last Modified: Monday, 13-Apr-2009 21:03:13