Federal Aid Available Regardless of Income, Insurance, Other Factors
Release Date: September 7, 2007
Release Number: 1717-017
» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Anyone who received damage from the recent severe storms and flooding should apply for federal assistance. No one should exclude themselves, thinking they might not qualify for federal assistance, according to officials from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Federal disaster assistance is available for everyone, whether your income is low or high, whether or not you have insurance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Carlos Mitchell. "Specific decisions on federal loans and grants are made on a case-by-case basis, so the only way to truly know if you're eligible is to apply."
A presidential disaster declaration was issued Aug. 23. Residents in seven counties Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha and Winona may be eligible to receive FEMA Individual Assistance funds.
Those affected by the severe storms and flooding can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time) seven days a week. Or, register online at www.fema.gov.
Individual Assistance is available for homeowners and renters to help replace losses not fully covered by insurance. It can include rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable; grants to repair homes and replace essential household items to make damaged dwellings safe and sanitary; and grants to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by other programs.
Residents and business owners may also be eligible for low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to help them recover from the disaster, including loans to recover from property losses not fully covered by insurance or grants. In addition, businesses may receive loans to help provide working capital to recover from the disaster's economic impact.
Residents should not worry that their grants or loans will prevent others with greater needs from getting disaster assistance, officials stressed.
"Don't worry about taking aid from someone else," Mitchell said. "Everyone who applies and meets the qualifications for federal assistance will receive it - that's the law."
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, 07-Sep-2007 13:45:35