Thursday, September 1, 2011

How to apply For FEMA aid...Please Read Carefully



This important information is being shared from content originally appearing in the Times Union. A link to the article is included at end of this snippet.

First on the list, check to see if your county is covered by a disaster declaration. Not sure a disaster declaration has been signed yet for Sullivan County, but the president has signed one for Ulster. Second (PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY), if you have insurance (even if you know you do not have flood insurance), you must file a claim FIRST with your insurance company.

Apply: Online at http://DisasterAssistance.gov; via smartphone at m.fema.gov; by phone at (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

Immediate Disaster assistance

Housing needs

Temporary housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Money is available to rent a different place to live, or a government-provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.

Repair: Money is available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary and functional.

Replacement: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.

Permanent housing construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

Other than housing needs:

Money is available for necessary expenses and needs caused by the disaster. This includes:

Disaster-related medical and dental costs; disaster-related funeral and burial cost; clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies); fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas); cleanup items (wet-dry vacuum, dehumidifier); disaster damaged vehicle; moving and storage expenses related to the disaster; other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA.