Misconceptions May Cause Some to Miss Out on Disaster Aid
Release Date: May 13, 2005
Release Number: 1589-018
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y -- In the days and weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by half-truths and rumors concerning recovery help. Disaster officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York State Emergency Management Office advise the best way to avoid misinformation is to verify facts with a responsible source.
Some common misconceptions concerning disaster assistance are:
I have insurance, so there's no other help available to me.
Fact: Insurance is your first and main source for money to put your life back in order after a disaster. However, some people find out too late that they are underinsured . That's where federal and state disaster programs may be able to help.
I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance.
Fact: You do not have to wait for an agent or adjuster's inspection before applying for disaster assistance or repairing your home so that it is safe, secure and functional. However, you should be sure to keep papers and receipts for any work.
I have applied for disaster assistance before, so I can't apply again.
Fact: Even if you have applied for and received disaster assistance before, perhaps as recently as last fall, you must apply again to be considered for help from the severe storms and flooding that occurred between April 2 and 4.
If I apply with FEMA for assistance, the money I receive will come out of my Social Security check.
Fact: Assistance funds do not come out of Social Security funds and will not affect your monthly Social Security check.
There may not be enough money for everyone, and my neighbor needs the money more than I do.
Fact: There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant.
I already repaired my home. It's too late to apply.
Fact: You may qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by your insurance. Keep all receipts for disaster-related repairs.
I got help from the Red Cross, so now I can't get help from FEMA or the State of New York.
Fact: FEMA and the State of New York coordinate a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the Red Cross and other voluntary agencies.
I got help from the Red Cross, so I'm already registered with FEMA.
Fact: Registering with the Red Cross or local and county officials is not the same as applying with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must apply by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired. The registration line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.
I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid.
Fact: Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. The programs are not welfare. The kinds of help provided depend on the applicant's circumstances and unmet needs.
I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan.
Fact: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which handles low-interest disaster loans for individuals and businesses, has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant's eligibility. The SBA will decide whether or not you are able to repay a loan. If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be eligible for other assistance, but it is necessary to go through the SBA application process first.
I must own a business to get a loan from the SBA.
Fact: Don't let the name fool you. In a presidential declaration, SBA is an important source of financial assistance. Renters and homeowners may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans for home or personal property losses based on the type and extent of uninsured or underinsured disaster-related losses.
I rent an apartment. I can't get help to replace my damaged property.
Fact: A renter may qualify for an SBA low-interest disaster loan to replace personal property. In some cases, grants may cover temporary housing needs if a renter has to move to another dwelling. Other grants may be available for disaster-related needs and expenses that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs.
I'm self-employed and out of work; I can't qualify for disaster unemployment benefits.
Fact: Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by the New York State Department of Labor, provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including those who are self-employed, were injured, lost their job, or lost transportation to their job as a direct result of the disaster. Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should call 1-888-209-8124 or register online at www.labor.state.ny.us. The deadline to apply is June 3, 2005.
If you suffered loss or damage from the recent storms don't disqualify yourself from federal/state assistance. Call the toll-free FEMA number 1-800-621-3362 ( TTY 1-800-462-7585) and let the experts determine your eligibility.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 13-May-2005 16:37:15