Federal Funding to Help Recover from Hurricane Sandy
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce that the President expedited and approved an official disaster declaration to aid in our recovery efforts. This declaration makes Connecticut residents, business owners, and municipalities eligible to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial assistance to help recover from Hurricane Sandy.
Please keep careful records of your hurricane-related expenses. You must have proof of your expenditures in order to receive federal assistance.
If you incurred uninsured losses as a result of Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for economic assistance from the federal government. Please read through the details below to learn how to apply.
My offices are open and fully staffed, ready to help you navigate this process. Please call my Connecticut offices at 866-453-0028 or stop by either my Bridgeport (211 State Street) or Stamford (888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor) offices, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have about the federal disaster assistance application process.
Individuals
FEMA can help you cover the costs of repairs if your damaged property is not covered, or under-covered, by insurance. Assistance is available to help cover the cost of temporary housing, home repair or replacement, permanent and semi-permanent housing construction, and other needs such as medical, dental, funeral, and transportation expenses.
To receive financial disaster assistance, you must apply directly to FEMA by phone, via mobile device, or online:
- By phone: Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, the number is 1-800-462-7585. These lines are open every day from 7am to 10pm.
- From your mobile device, visit m.fema.gov
- Online: Apply online here.
***Please note that even if you have already reported your damages to 2-1-1, you must still apply directly to FEMA to receive assistance.
Small Businesses: Small business owners are eligible for assistance under the Small Business Administration (SBA). If you own a small business, you can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations that were affected by Hurricane Irene. EIDLs can help you meet any financial obligations that cannot be met because of the storm. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website here.
Public Assistance: Fairfield County has also been declared eligible for Public Assistance, which will help cover the costs our cities and towns face for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.
I strongly urge anyone who is eligible to take advantage of federal financial hurricane assistance. If you have any questions regarding how the federal government can help you pay for your damages, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 866-453-0028 or by clicking here.
Remember, it is imperative that you keep careful records of all of your expenses to be eligible for assistance.
Sincerely,
Jim Himes
211 State Street, 2nd Floor
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (866) 453-0028
Fax: (203) 333-6655
Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm