Misunderstandings About Disaster Assistance
Release Date: February 28, 2009
Release Number: 1817-041
» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Landslides, Mudslides, and Flooding
OLYMPIA, Wash.-- Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) continue to urge residents in declared counties affected by the January 6-16, 2009, severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides, and flooding, to apply for disaster assistance. They urge residents not to let misunderstandings and misconceptions prevent them from applying for assistance to help in their recovery. Applicants should call the toll free teleregistration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585)to register for assistance.
Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn said, "We want people to call 1-800-621-FEMA to get accurate information about the variety of disaster assistance programs available. There are some misconceptions out there, and we want people affected by the disaster to call this number, get correct information, and apply if they have damages."
FEMA, WEMD, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offer a variety of programs to help disaster victims. The following are some commonly asked questions and their responses with accurate information about federal and state disaster programs and services:
I rent an apartment. Can I still get help?
Yes. Renters may be eligible for assistance with temporary housing needs if their home is unlivable because of the disaster. Renters may also qualify for SBA low-interest disaster loans or other needs assistance for disaster related personal property, transportation, and other losses.
I gave information to my local emergency manager (or the Red Cross). Do I still need to register with FEMA?
Yes. To be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585). You may also apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
I have already repaired my home. Can I still receive assistance?
You should still apply, because it is possible to get reimbursed for all or some of those expenses if they are not covered by insurance. Keep your receipts for disaster-related repairs and show them to the inspector.
I think I make too much money to qualify for disaster aid. Can I still apply?
Yes. Federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to all who suffered damages. The SBA is a major source of disaster loan assistance and part of the registration process. People affected by a disaster should apply.
I haven't found that much damage yet. I don't think I need assistance, so why should I still apply?
You should apply because sometimes damage related to a disaster is not immediately identifiable. For example, homes that were flooded may develop mold later when the weather gets warmer. These households will only be eligible for disaster assistance to remove the mold if residents have registered.
I don't think I should apply for assistance. I know that other people need it more than I do.
If you suffered damages because of the disaster, you should not hesitate to apply. If you have suffered damages, or might have suffered damages, there may be funding available to assist you with taking care of those damages.
I don't own a business. Why should I apply for a loan from the SBA?
You should apply because the SBA Disaster Loan program is a major source of recovery funds for individuals and families, as well as for businesses. In addition, being denied an SBA loan can be a condition for further assistance.
I have insurance. Am I still eligible for help?
Possibly. FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, but you may be eligible for help with losses not covered by or with damages in excess of your coverage ("under-insured"). That's why it's important to register for assistance even while you are working with your insurance company to assess your insurance coverage. Once you have an insurance settlement, you can go back and update your application.
I'm having trouble getting a flood insurance settlement. What can I do now?
You should first contact your adjuster's supervisor. If your issue cannot be resolved by the supervisor, call the FEMA Region 10 office at 425-487-4664.
If I apply for assistance, will my credit rating go down?
It should not be affected. Disaster assistance is for losses not covered by insurance. It is meant to help people with critical expenses not covered in other ways.
People should monitor their credit reports and dispute any negativity that they believe was caused by the disaster. Free credit reports are available online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
If I apply for assistance, will the value of my land go down?
There is no evidence that applying for disaster assistance decreases the value of property. On the contrary, if a household qualifies for certain types of disaster assistance, it can help the household make needed repairs caused by the disaster and thus keep the property from deteriorating further and losing value.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 02-Mar-2009 08:59:22