Common Misunderstandings Could Delay or Limit Your Assistance
Release Date: June 21, 2008
Release Number: 1763-036
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- In the first few weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by rumors and half-truths about how to get help and the various assistance programs that are available. When residents suffer losses they need accurate information.
According to disaster recovery officials from the Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the first thing to do when your county receives a federal disaster designation, is to register with FEMA.
There are two easy ways to begin the application process. Applicants may call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment, 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to answer calls. Residents with Internet access can also register anytime at www.fema.gov and get valuable recovery information.
Answers to some common questions about disaster assistance:
I have insurance. Is there other help available to me?
Yes. Insurance is your main source for money to put your life back in order after a disaster, but there are many things that insurance does not cover. This is where federal disaster programs may be able to help. You may find that some of your losses are not covered by insurance and disaster assistance can help.
Do I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance?
No. If you have insurance, find out what your policy covers. Take pictures if you can and begin clean-up and repairs, keeping estimates and receipts. But register as soon as you can in case you have unmet disaster-related needs. Initially, you may not be eligible for assistance until you are able to provide additional insurance settlement information to FEMA. This is a necessary step to avoid a duplication of benefits, but may be re-evaluated later. Therefore registering early is always beneficial.
If you have no insurance, register immediately with FEMA online or by phone.
Do I need to make an appointment at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply for assistance?
No. Appointments are not necessary at FEMA DRCs to get more information. You can register for assistance anytime. Simply call FEMAs toll-free registration number at 1-800-621- FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments, 24 hours, seven days a week or online anytime at www.fema.gov. Phones are available at the DRCs during their operating hours for you to use to register. If you need additional assistance, disaster specialists at the DRC can help.
May I still visit the DRC once I have registered with FEMA?
Yes. Experienced and helpful FEMA representatives are at DRCs to assist and provide additional information. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives are available to help you apply for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. Information about assistance from other federal, state and volunteer organizations is also available. You may visit any DRC even if it is not located in your town or county.
I already repaired my home, can I still apply?
Yes. By registering, you still could qualify for reimbursement of eligible repairs or to help with unmet needs not covered by your insurance. It is helpful to take photos and save your receipts and records.
If I registered with my county emergency manager, am I registered with FEMA?
No. You still need to call the special toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 or apply online anytime at www.fema.gov.
A FEMA and a state person looked at my property before my county was designated. Do I still need to register with FEMA?
Yes. Prior to designating a county part of the federally declared disaster, the state and FEMA did "Preliminary Damage Assessments" (PDA) of homes and businesses to assess the extent of damage. Once your county received a designation that it is eligible for federal Individual Assistance programs, residents could begin registering with FEMA for assistance.
I got help from the American Red Cross. Can I still register with FEMA if I need assistance?
Yes. Registration with the Red Cross or other voluntary agencies is not the same as registering with FEMA. FEMA coordinates various federal programs to help disaster victims, which are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other voluntary agencies.
Are only low-income residents qualified for disaster assistance?
No. 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 disaster-related needs.
Do I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan?
No. The SBA, which handles low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations, 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 are not qualified for a home loan, you may be eligible for other assistance, such as the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grant program. FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must complete and return them to the SBA to be eligible for additional assistance under the part of the ONA program that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
I don't really want a loan. Do I still need to fill out the SBA application when I receive it?
Yes. If the home loan application is not returned, you may not be considered for some forms of disaster assistance. If you do not qualify for a home loan, you may be considered for other forms of assistance. You may qualify for the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program that is designed to help meet serious, disaster-related needs. However, you must complete and return the SBA loan application.
I rent an apartment. Can I get help to replace my damaged personal property?
Yes. A renter also may qualify for an SBA low-interest disaster loan or grants from other sources to replace personal property. One type of grant may cover temporary housing needs if a renter has to move to another dwelling. Other grants may cover eligible individuals or families with serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other disaster-assistance programs.
I'm self-employed and out of work; can I apply for disaster unemployment benefits?
Yes. Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by the Iowa Workforce Development, provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed. Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should visit any Iowa Workforce Development Center, or go online at www.iowaworkforce.org and follow the links to "File an unemployment claim."
If I am an undocumented immigrant, am I eligible for any assistance?
You may be eligible under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance. You may be eligible for Crisis Counseling or Disaster Legal Services, and other short-term, non-cash, emergency aid. But, you will not be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. And, you will not be personally eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs (Individuals and Households Program Assistance).You may, however, apply on behalf of your U.S. citizen child, or another adult household member may qualify the household for assistance.
Even if you or your family does not qualify for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and Households Program Assistance), please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for information and to be referred to other programs that can assist you regardless of your immigration status.
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, 23-Jun-2008 09:19:44