For Immediate Release
Contact: Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022 (office)
October 10, 2008
Don't Let Misinformation Lead You Astray
DuPageCounty―In the first few weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by half-truths and rumors circulating about how to get help and the various assistance programs available. The last thing those affected by disaster need is misinformation.
The first thing that people who sustained damage or incurred losses from the heavy and flooding that occurred last month should do is apply for disaster assistance. This is done by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired) or logging on to www.fema.gov.
Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also are available for eligible homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained losses not covered by insurance.
After having applied for assistance, those with questions should visit a nearby disaster recovery center or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). FEMA currently has a Disaster Recovery Center established in DuPage County. The DRC is located in the Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building, 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. The DRC is open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Here are some of the most common questions and comments from people dealing with disaster recovery:
I got help from the American Red Cross. Can I still apply to FEMA if I need assistance?
Yes, you should apply to FEMA. Think of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other voluntary agencies as your immediate helpers with food, clothing, blankets and shelter during the first days of the disaster. FEMA is your long term recovery partner with rental assistance, housing repair money and grants to meet other serious needs caused by the disaster.
I don't really want a loan. Do I still need to fill out the SBA application when I receive it?
Yes, fill it out and return it. You may qualify for a FEMA grant to replace your personal property damaged in the disaster. If you don't complete and return the SBA loan application, you may not be considered for further FEMA assistance.
I have insurance. Is there other help available to me?
Yes. Although insurance should be your main source of money to get your life back on track after a disaster, there are many things that insurance does not cover. Federal disaster assistance may help to make up the difference for under-insured losses, and there may be other state and federal programs that can provide help, such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Disaster Legal Services.
Can I apply for a low interest loan from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) even if I'm not a business owner?
Yes. Don't let the name fool you. Homeowners may be eligible for disaster loans up to $200,000 for building repairs or replacement. Homeowners and renters can apply for loans up to $40,000 for personal property losses. Businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, supplies, and inventory. For more information call 1-800-659-2955, or visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov.
I rent an apartment. Can I get help to replace my damaged property?
Yes. A renter may qualify for a grant from FEMA or an SBA low-interest disaster loan. FEMA has grants to replace personal property such as clothing, automobiles and furniture if they're not covered by insurance. And, FEMA can provide temporary housing assistance if a renter has to move to another dwelling.
If I am an undocumented resident, am I eligible for any assistance?
Yes. You may be eligible under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of immediate assistance, but you will not be eligible for FEMA assistance as an individual. However, if there is a child in your household who is a U.S. citizen, or if your household has an eligible adult member, the entire household may qualify for assistance. Even if your household does not qualify for a FEMA grant, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for information and to be referred to other programs that can assist you regardless of your immigration status. Multi-lingual operators are available to assist you.
I have flood damage to my vacation home. Can I get FEMA help with repairs to a damaged secondary residence?
Probably not. FEMA provides assistance if you have damage to your primary residence. However, if the secondary property is a rental property for income, SBA may be able to help you as a business owner.
Do I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance?
No. Do not wait, and do not delay repairs needed to make your house safe, sanitary and functional. However, if you have insurance, you may not be eligible for certain types of assistance until you provide your insurance settlement documentation. FEMA will consider what your policy covers to avoid duplication of benefits. Be sure to keep all insurance documents and receipts for any repair work and list your unmet disaster-related needs when you call FEMA to apply.
I have already repaired my home. Is it too late to apply to FEMA?
No. You could qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by your insurance. Remember to keep receipts.
Do I need to make an appointment at the disaster recovery center to apply for assistance?
No. You should apply for assistance by phone at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-452-7585) or online at www.fema.gov first. Then, you may visit any disaster recovery center if you need further information about various disaster assistance programs and services including ways to reduce damage in future severe weather events.
Are only low income residences qualified for disaster assistance?
No. Federal disaster assistance is available to any eligible applicant and is not income-based. The kinds of assistance provided depend on the applicant's circumstances and unmet disaster-related needs.
Do I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan?
No. The SBA, which handles low-interest disaster loans, has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant's eligibility. The SBA will decide whether or not you are able to repay a loan. If you are not qualified for a loan, you may be eligible for other assistance. FEMA's grants for temporary housing, repairs or rebuilding and to cover other disaster-related expenses not reimbursed by insurance or other programs do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. But, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must complete and return them to be eligible for assistance covering personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses.
I'm self-employed and out of work as a result of the disaster. Can I qualify for disaster unemployment benefits?
Yes. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), funded by FEMA and administered by the Indiana Department of Work Force Development, provides benefits for workers including farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed and not normally eligibility for unemployment compensation. You can file for DUA by visiting a WorkOne Office or applying at www.dwd.in.gov/dwd/2404.htm. You must apply within 30 days of the date DUA was granted to your county, so act soon.
How will I receive any information mailed to me if I am unable to return to my home right away?
FEMA works closely with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to see that mail gets delivered to its intended recipient. However, it is each individual's responsibility to make sure that FEMA and the USPS have current mailing information on record. Contact FEMA with any changes in your contact information.
I got a check from FEMA. What can I use the money for?
FEMA sends you money to meet your housing and personal property needs related to the disaster. You will receive a letter from FEMA telling you what the money covers. Be sure to read the "Applicant's Guide," the booklet included with your letter, for additional information.
Will FEMA help me pay my utility bills?
No. FEMA cannot pay utility bills. However, local charitable organizations may be able to help for a short period. We suggest you contact the American Red Cross or your local United Way office for a referral to a local agency that may be able to help.
I lost my food because of the power outage. Will I be reimbursed?
No. FEMA disaster assistance program does not cover food losses. However, voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with a hot meal or other immediate food needs.
I purchased a generator. Will I be reimbursed?
Maybe. FEMA reviews requests to cover the cost of generators on a case-by-case basis with eligibility largely contingent on the need to operate medical equipment or appliances for medical purposes during power interruptions or their inclusion as personal property during inspection. You will need to apply to FEMA and provide copies of purchase receipts to be determined eligible for such reimbursement.
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.
For updates on the DRC, please visit www.protectdupage.org.
