Many Factors Determine Type And Amount Of Disaster Assistance
Release Date: November 21, 2003
Release Number: 1498-32
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PASADENA, Calif. -- In the wake of October's Southern California wildfires, the purpose of state and federal recovery programs is to provide all the help possible to everyone who is eligible to receive it.
A wide range of criteria and circumstances determines who gets help and how much they can receive. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program has a limit of $25,600, which can be used toward home repair, home replacement, transportation, funeral expenses, replacing personal property, and miscellaneous needs. Funds are also available in some cases for rental assistance and temporary housing.
For disaster victims who have received the maximum amount of federal assistance, a State Supplemental Grant Program may pay up to $10,000 to help with any eligible needs not met by the Individuals and Households program. The program is administered by the California Department of Social Services.
Some disaster victims may qualify for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. They may also be eligible for funds to meet other needs that the loan does not cover. Applicants who do not qualify for a loan may still be referred to FEMA for additional unmet needs.
"You may not get the same amount or same type of disaster assistance as your neighbor," said William Carwile, III, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery.
"There are many variables we take into consideration. In every case, we have to make a determination on what is needed and what we legally can provide," he added.
Assistance is based on need and the laws that govern various disaster assistance programs.
By law, federal aid cannot duplicate assistance for losses paid under insurance or other sources. However, if a home is underinsured or uninsured, the homeowner may still be eligible for disaster assistance if the insurance proceeds are less than the maximum amount of assistance FEMA can authorize.
The types of assistance provided depend on many factors, such as whether a home was damaged or destroyed, or whether the applicant is a homeowner or a renter. For instance, a renter may be eligible to receive assistance for personal property losses, but not for damages to the real estate.
The pattern of assistance after a disaster will vary widely. But, FEMA officials emphasized, assistance is never based on the community involved - rather each unique situation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
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: Friday, 21-Nov-2003 16:48:49