Federal/State Team Makes Disaster Application Process Easy
Release Date: June 8, 2004
Release Number: 1520-005
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Federal disaster assistance programs are designed to meet emergency needs in the form of disaster grants for immediate housing requirements and emergency repairs. Awards to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal or state agency programs, are also available. These programs are meant to help people begin their recovery; they are not designed to return people's lives to their pre-disaster conditions.
By contrast, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) help homeowners, renters and business owners repair or replace their disaster-related damages. SBA is the primary source of long-term disaster recovery loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes.
"Understanding the steps of the federal/state recovery process," said Federal Coordinating Officer Justo "Tito" Hernandez, "can help people reduce the confusion brought on by disaster, sort out the information available, and make the decisions required to begin rebuilding lives."
APPLYING FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
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The only way to apply for federal assistance is to call the special toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairment. Both phone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, seven days a week and multilingual operators are available when necessary.
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Your call is confidential under the Privacy Act of 1974, and the information will be used only to determine what type of assistance is most appropriate.
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By placing this call you begin the application process. This call usually takes 15-20 minutes to complete. You will be asked general questions about the damage to your home, business and personal property. Also, be prepared to provide some basic information about insurance, family size and income.
- You will be given a registration number which will help track your application through the process. Be sure to write this number down and keep it handy in case you have questions.
FEMA INFORMATION
After you have applied for assistance, FEMA's toll-free registration and help line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, is a very useful resource. You may ask about the status of your application or how money from various assistance programs may be used, get information on the flood insurance program, or get materials on low-cost ways to reduce future disaster damages.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 09-Jun-2004 10:10:47