FEMA Assistance Available For Residents, Businesses; Process Begins With A Phone Call
Release Date: August 15, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-charley2
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents with damage from Hurricane Charley to make the phone call to begin the application process for federal assistance.
“A phone call begins the application process. Our specially trained operators will walk you through the process,” FEMA Director Michael D. Brown said. “Please keep in mind that federal aid cannot replace all that you lost, but we will do all we can to set you on the path to recovery.”
Disaster victims register for assistance by calling a toll-free number: 800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairments is 800-462-7585.
The phone interview is the beginning of the application process. No decision is made about eligibility at this point. Callers receive information and applications -not goods or cash- based on these interviews. However, the information provided by the applicant allows the various federal agencies to make the necessary decisions.
The application process can be speeded up if you have the following information readily available:
Name
Current and pre-disaster address (if appropriate)
Proof of residency
Current telephone numbers
Insurance coverage (policy numbers and agent’s name)
Applicants should contact their insurance company and file the necessary claims before calling FEMA. FEMA does not cover damage or losses covered by private insurance. Federal disaster aid does not guarantee total recovery from all disaster losses.
Federal disaster assistance available for residents or businesses in the counties eligible for individual assistance includes:
- Temporary Housing Assistance: The Temporary Housing Assistance Program, administered by FEMA, provides financial assistance to make limited repairs to homes damaged by disasters. The program also may provide rental assistance to those whose homes are more substantially damaged. The type of assistance is determined by FEMA based on criteria that assure the option chosen is appropriate to the individual’s need and can be delivered quickly.
- Disaster Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can make federally subsidized low-interest loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses that sustained damage, not covered by insurance. For many persons, this loan program is the primary form of disaster assistance.
- Other Needs Assistance Grants: This program is a joint effort between FEMA and the state to provide grants to those individuals or families who are not eligible for an SBA loan. The program assists with repair or replacement of personal property, including such things as clothing, appliances and furniture. In addition, some assistance from this program may be available to help cover transportation, funeral or medical/dental expenses incurred as a result of the disaster.
Other key programs provide emergency loans for farmers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and tax relief from the I.R.S.
The federal programs available are not intended as a substitute for insurance. They exist to provide basic shelter and personal property needs. Vacation and secondary homes are not eligible for this aid. For more information about federal disaster aid, visit FEMA on the Web at www.fema.gov.
On 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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Aug-2004 15:59:46