Illinois Disaster Victims: Get the Facts about Disaster Assistance
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Release Number: 1800-021
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
CHICAGO, Ill. -- People need many kinds of help after a disaster such as the devastating flooding that hit northeastern Illinois last month. One critical need is for accurate information about disaster assistance programs.
To help disaster victims better understand the help that is available, here are some of the most common questions individuals have about assistance, with answers supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). To register for assistance, call FEMA's toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 or apply online anytime at www.fema.gov.
Are people who have insurance eligible for disaster assistance?
Yes. FEMA is not allowed to duplicate payments you receive from any other source. But FEMA can help you cover the cost of rebuilding, repairs and temporary housing, and possibly some other serious disaster-related losses, that your insurance does not cover. The only way to find out about assistance is to register with FEMA. You will be asked about your insurance when you register and you may eventually need to provide FEMA with a letter from your insurance company about your insurance coverage for disaster-related costs.
Do I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I can apply for disaster assistance?
No. You should go ahead and register with FEMA. You may not be able to receive assistance until after you have a letter from your insurance company stating what your insurance will cover. However, you will be sure that you have registered and provided all other information before the registration deadline.
I already repaired my home. Am I eligible for help?
Yes. By registering, you still could qualify for reimbursement of money you spent out of your own funds for repairs. It is helpful if you have photographs documenting the damage and receipts for money spent for repairs.
I didn't spend much for repairs. Is there a minimum amount of damage I have to have to get federal assistance?
Yes. The damage has to be more than $50.
Is there an income threshold for disaster assistance?
No. FEMA assistance is available without any income test. You do not have to have a low income to qualify. The programs are not "welfare."
I could register for assistance, but isn't it better to leave the money for people who need it more than I do?
FEMA has sufficient funding to cover all eligible losses. You are not depriving anyone else of help by registering yourself.
Is there any assistance for renters?
Yes. One type of grant may cover temporary housing needs if a renter has to move to another dwelling because of the disaster. Other grants may cover eligible individuals or families with serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other disaster-assistance programs. Also, a renter may apply and qualify for a low-interest disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for personal property losses.
I don't understand why I've received a loan application from the Small Business Administration. I don't own a business so why was this loan application sent to me?
The SBA is the nation's primary source of assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes in federally declared disasters. SBA disaster loan interest rates are as low as 2.875 percent for homeowners and renters, and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based upon each applicant's financial condition.
I don't want a loan, but I received a loan application in the mail from the Small Business Administration . Why should I complete that SBA form if I don't want a loan?
If SBA determines you are ineligible for a disaster loan, FEMA may be able to provide grants to repair or replace damaged or lost personal property and vehicles or to pay moving and storage expenses. That is why if you want these types of assistance you must return your SBA formseven if you do not want a loan. If SBA determines you are ineligible for a loan, it will forward your application to FEMA to be considered for these other grants. If SBA offers you a loan, it will be up to you whether to accept it. You are not required to accept a loan.
If I registered with my county emergency manager, am I registered with FEMA?
No. You still need to call FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 or apply online anytime at www.fema.gov.
Officials from FEMA and the state already looked at my property and asked me questions. Doesn't that mean I'm registered?
No. You may have seen representatives of FEMA and the state while they were assessing damage. The ONLY way to register for assistance from FEMA is to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 or apply online anytime 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: Friday, 31-Oct-2008 12:13:10