Illinois Storm Victims: Use Your FEMA Money Wisely
Release Date: August 9, 2008
Release Number: 1771-048
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Assistance provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) should be used according to specific program guidelines. Federal and state officials urge recipients to exercise caution when using these funds.
For qualified applicants, IHP funds can be used for rental assistance and basic housing repairs. Short-term rental assistance is based on the average fair-market rental rates and allows qualified applicants to rent a different place to live while they repair or rebuild their primary residence. Applicants must provide receipts to continue receiving rental assistance.
Homeowners may be eligible for assistance for repairs to make the damaged home safe, sanitary and minimally functional. Out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the disaster may be eligible for reimbursement. Receipts need to be kept for all disaster-related expenses.
All applicants who qualify for disaster assistance will receive a letter explaining how the money should be spent. FEMA urges all applicants to use the assistance for its intended purpose.
Disaster Specialists from FEMA and the State of Illinois have approved nearly $7 million in disaster grant assistance to aid qualified applicants.
For more information, applicants should call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals who have TTY equipment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Information regarding the Individuals and Households Program and its guidelines is also available online at www.fema.gov
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 11-Aug-2008 08:51:08