Don't Talk Yourself Out of Registering for Disaster Assistance
Monday, July 26, 2010 | 07:43am
NASHVILLE - Nearly 66,000 individuals and families recovering from Tennessee's spring storms and flooding have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. Many more survivors may be eligible for federal grants and low-interest loans but may not be registering simply because they are not aware of all the facts.
"With the Aug. 5, 2010 registration deadline fast approaching, it is important flood survivors do not wait for insurance settlements or talk themselves out of asking for help," said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director James Bassham.
Federal disaster assistance helps fill the gaps in disaster recovery, even for those who get insurance payouts or other assistance.
“The key is to register before time runs out," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech." There are three ways you can register with FEMA right now – call the helpline at 800-621-FEMA, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or even use your mobile phone by visiting m.fema.gov."
Here are answers to common questions keeping some disaster survivors from registering.
What if I have insurance?
You may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses, including damage to wells and septic systems. If you're still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster, or for an insurance settlement, go ahead and apply for assistance. Ensure you do so by the Aug. 5, 2010 FEMA filing deadline. If you are making necessary repairs to make your house livable, be sure to keep documents and receipts for all work.
Do I make too much money to apply for FEMA assistance?
Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The type of help provided depends on the applicant's circumstances and unmet needs. The aid helps individuals and communities recover as quickly as possible from a disaster.
What if I didn't sustain enough damage?
The damage caused by a disaster – and the costs associated with repairs or rebuilding – may not be immediately apparent. By registering with FEMA now, you may be covered for those damages that are discovered later.
Aren't there others who need the money more than I do? What if there's not enough money for everyone?
There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant.
Will my other benefits be cut?
Federal disaster grants generally do not affect other state and federal benefits and programs.
Can I apply for an SBA loan even if I'm not a business owner?
Renters and homeowners may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans based on the type and extent of their uninsured or underinsured losses. SBA loans are the largest source of disaster funds to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property or for making substantial repairs or rebuilding damaged structures. The low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, non-profits and businesses of all sizes.
Do I have to fill out an SBA loan application even if I don't want a loan?
You are not obligated to accept a loan if you apply and are approved. However, if you receive an SBA loan application, you must complete and return it to be eligible for other FEMA assistance that covers essential personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. The information you provide helps FEMA determine if you qualify for this type of assistance.
Register for disaster assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or use your mobile phone by visiting m.fema.gov.
Remember the deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Aug. 5, 2010.
Follow the recovery in Tennessee online at http://twitter.com/t_e_m_a, http://twitter.com/fema, http://www.facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, www.youtube.com/fema and http://www.flickr.com/photos/t_e_m_a.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA and TEMA do not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
Federal disaster assistance helps fill the gaps in disaster recovery, even for those who get insurance payouts or other assistance.
“The key is to register before time runs out," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech." There are three ways you can register with FEMA right now – call the helpline at 800-621-FEMA, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or even use your mobile phone by visiting m.fema.gov."
Here are answers to common questions keeping some disaster survivors from registering.
What if I have insurance?
You may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses, including damage to wells and septic systems. If you're still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster, or for an insurance settlement, go ahead and apply for assistance. Ensure you do so by the Aug. 5, 2010 FEMA filing deadline. If you are making necessary repairs to make your house livable, be sure to keep documents and receipts for all work.
Do I make too much money to apply for FEMA assistance?
Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The type of help provided depends on the applicant's circumstances and unmet needs. The aid helps individuals and communities recover as quickly as possible from a disaster.
What if I didn't sustain enough damage?
The damage caused by a disaster – and the costs associated with repairs or rebuilding – may not be immediately apparent. By registering with FEMA now, you may be covered for those damages that are discovered later.
Aren't there others who need the money more than I do? What if there's not enough money for everyone?
There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant.
Will my other benefits be cut?
Federal disaster grants generally do not affect other state and federal benefits and programs.
Can I apply for an SBA loan even if I'm not a business owner?
Renters and homeowners may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans based on the type and extent of their uninsured or underinsured losses. SBA loans are the largest source of disaster funds to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property or for making substantial repairs or rebuilding damaged structures. The low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, non-profits and businesses of all sizes.
Do I have to fill out an SBA loan application even if I don't want a loan?
You are not obligated to accept a loan if you apply and are approved. However, if you receive an SBA loan application, you must complete and return it to be eligible for other FEMA assistance that covers essential personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. The information you provide helps FEMA determine if you qualify for this type of assistance.
Register for disaster assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or use your mobile phone by visiting m.fema.gov.
Remember the deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Aug. 5, 2010.
Follow the recovery in Tennessee online at http://twitter.com/t_e_m_a, http://twitter.com/fema, http://www.facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, www.youtube.com/fema and http://www.flickr.com/photos/t_e_m_a.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA and TEMA do not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.