FEMA Information
It is very important
that each member of the Tulane community register with FEMA for assistance
as you are considered a displaced person because of the mandatory evacuation
orders. This registration makes available certain programs and financial
aid under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP). Even
if you choose never to access this support it is still critical for you
to register. How To Get Disaster Manufactured Housing The process to receive a manufactured home can seem uncertain and overwhelming. FEMA and the State of Louisiana have a system designed to meet the needs of those displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The following information is intended to help the people of Louisiana develop a better understanding of the system. Travel trailers and manufactured housing are considered an alternate housing option when adequate resources are not available. It is always FEMA’s priority to find alternate housing within the community first whether an apartment, house or condominium. A good source to locate available temporary housing is the Disaster Housing Resources Web site at www.dhronline.org. People can search for housing by rental price range, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and by state. Travel trailers would be considered a last option as a permanent solution is always more favorable than the temporary solution of using travel trailers as housing. Travel trailers are available in two ways to those who meet the program criteria: 1. Residents may be placed in a travel trailer on what is called an emergency group site. This is property leased by FEMA. 2. For those with private property that meets certain requirements, a travel trailer or mobile home may be placed on the property. The process for being placed in one of the emergency group sites: - Call FEMA’s toll-free disaster assistance helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people who are speech- or hearing-impaired and make your housing needs known. Evacuees who need an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant travel trailer can be accommodated and should be specific about their requirements. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. - A FEMA representative will call the applicant to arrange to fill out the appropriate paperwork and schedule the occupancy date. The process for having a travel trailer or mobile home placed in private property: - Call FEMA’s toll-free disaster assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people who are speech- or hearing-impaired and make your housing needs known. Evacuees who need an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant travel trailer can be accommodated and should be specific about their requirements. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. - Utilities must be available at the site. - A site inspector must look at the property to make sure it is appropriate for a travel trailer or mobile home. - After the site is approved and permits are obtained, the travel trailer or mobile home will be delivered by a FEMA contractor. - Once a travel trailer or mobile home is delivered, a FEMA contractor will set up the unit and schedule a time for the utility hook-up. - When a contractor has completed the process of readying the travel trailer or mobile home for the applicant, a FEMA representative will complete the appropriate paperwork and schedule the occupancy date. The process of applying for and occupying a travel trailer can be time consuming due to many variables. By following the outlined steps above, affected residents can better understand what must be accomplished before a travel trailer is ready for occupancy. FEMA and SBA Ease Concerns for Older Disaster Victims Some older residents have expressed concerns that applying or receiving state and federal financial assistance may cause them to sacrifice Social Security benefits, pay additional taxes, or give up income-based benefit programs. FEMA and the SBA are telling elders affected by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita that their concerns are unfounded. A state or federal grant does not add to taxable income, as long as the grant is given as assistance to recover from a disaster. This means that grants given by FEMA to elder disaster victims for housing will not add to older recipients’ income and would not require them to repay their Social Security benefit. This also means that a housing grant will not affect Social Security as a taxable income, and they will not have to pay tax on their benefits. FEMA housing grants will not affect income levels to the point where older residents are no longer eligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). FEMA grants are not repaid by the recipient. After a disaster strikes, people who suffered damages must register with FEMA to find out about services that may be available to them. It is also important to apply for an SBA disaster loan. It is vital older persons apply for an SBA loan even if they do not qualify. Applying for a loan is important because it will enable the affected resident to be made eligible for other programs, but the SBA loan application must be completed and submitted first. Often, many seniors do not receive loans or grants because they do not complete the required process for financial assistance. They should act immediately as these programs are available for a limited time. Hazard Mitigation Grants Program (HMGP) to make homes and businesses safer from future disasters is no longer considered a taxable improvement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These grants are entirely separate and are not awarded to individuals registering for disaster assistance. Residents must contact their local officials. Older disaster victims can call FEMA to find out more about housing grants and other programs at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Lines are open 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. FEMA Help Line Features New Application: Automated Status Update FEMA has added a new "Automated Status Update" function to its registration phone line for those who registered for assistance at (800) 621-FEMA or registered on-line at FEMA.gov. With the help of the Automated Status Update, applicants are able to immediately check the status of their case and obtain basic information regarding their account. By following a series of voice-activated prompts, the applicant may access information about personal registration, eligibility status, financial compensation, the appeals process and other information. Applicants still have the option of talking to a FEMA help line operator as well. They must simply listen to the prompts to select help line assistance. To access the Automated Status Update, applicants must call (800) 621-FEMA and provide their FEMA registration ID number, date of birth and the last four digits of their social security number. If the applicant provides inaccurate information or makes an error, they will be forwarded to FEMA Help Line staff. Katrina Victims Need to Stay in Touch with FEMA Federal and state disaster recovery officials recommend victims stay in touch with recovery agencies after registering for disaster assistance. Because victims often move locations following disasters, it can be difficult for FEMA to ensure that they have correct contact information. FEMA has provided a number of ways to make it easier for applicants to update addresses, phone numbers and personal information. Staff at any Disaster Recovery Center can make updates for any previously registered applicants; the FEMA website at www.fema.gov provides an update option as does the toll-free Helpline option at 800-621-FEMA (3362). The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A similar Helpline is available for individuals who use special keyboard equipment (TTY) at 800-462-7585. When making a call to update status information, callers should refer to their application number issued at registration. This number is displayed on all correspondence received from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests. Understanding Eligibility For Disaster Assistance Homeowners and renters whose disaster assistance applications may have been denied have the option to appeal the denial they received FEMA. A denial letter may not be the final word - it may just mean an applicant needs to give FEMA more information. If you have questions about FEMA’s decision, you have sixty days to appeal. Only qualified applicants may receive disaster assistance. Disaster aid may include grants for home repairs, temporary housing, or any serious needs or necessary disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that can cover personal, residential and business losses not covered by insurance or otherwise compensated. Some applicants may receive denial letters declaring them ineligible for FEMA disaster assistance. The most common reasons for denial include: - Adequate insurance coverage. - Damage to secondary home, not primary residence. - Damage to rental real estate, not primary residence, owned by applicant. - Inability to prove occupancy or ownership. - Failure to fill out and return the SBA loan application. Sometimes a denial simply means that more information is needed before the analysis can be completed. Some applicants, who receive denial letters from FEMA, declaring them ineligible because of insurance, may be eligible later if their insurance settlement does not cover their necessary expenses and serious needs. An applicant should contact his/her insurance company and request a settlement letter that details exactly what is covered under the claim. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA. To appeal a decision, the applicant should mail insurance settlement information, as well as any new or additional information they may have acquired since the initial application for disaster assistance was filed. The mailing address is provided in the FEMA letter. If FEMA determines an applicant is not eligible for disaster assistance funds, he or she may still be eligible for other services such as a low-interest loan from SBA or Disaster Unemployment Assistance. For additional guidance on the appeal process, or other questions applicants have about their disaster assistance application, the FEMA Helpline is available at 800-621-3362. Misunderstandings May Cause Some To Miss Out On Disaster Aid In the turmoil that accompanies the shock and loss of a disaster, misleading rumors, half-truths and misunderstandings about available assistance may cause some hurricane-struck residents to miss out on much-needed help. Recovery officials have expressed concerns that unreliable word-of-mouth in distressed neighborhoods and communities may deprive eligible individuals and households of vital aid from the State of Louisiana and FEMA. Residents who suffered damages and losses as a result of the hurricanes can apply for assistance immediately by calling 1- 800-621-FEMA (3362) . People with a speech- or hearing-impairment can call (TTY) 1- 800-462-7585 . Both lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. FEMA and the State of Louisiana have clarified some of the most common misconceptions: - I got help from the American Red Cross, so now I can't get help from FEMA or the state. Not True: FEMA and the State of Louisiana coordinate a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the American Red Cross and other voluntary agencies. - I got help from the American Red Cross, so I'm already registered with FEMA. Not True: Registration with the American Red Cross is not the same as registration with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply by calling 1- 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 . You can also apply online by visiting www.fema.gov. - I have insurance, so there is no other help available. Not True: FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, but you may be eligible for help with losses not covered or damage in excess of your coverage (“under-insured”). That's why it is important to register for assistance even while you are working with your insurance company to assess your insurance coverage. - I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid. Not True: The kind of help provided depends on each applicant's circumstances. Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. - I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance. Not True: Don't wait for an adjuster before applying for aid or making repairs needed to make your house livable. However, you should find out what your policy covers, and be sure to keep papers and receipts for any work. - I rent an apartment. I can't get help. Not True: There are several types of assistance available to renters. One type of grant may help renters with temporary housing needs if they have to move because of disaster damage or loss. Another type of grant may be available to an eligible individual or family with serious, disaster-related needs and necessary expenses that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs. Also a renter may qualify for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. - I'm self-employed and out of work; I can't qualify for disaster unemployment benefits. Not True : Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by the state, can help provide benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farmers, farm workers, and those who are self-employed. Anyone interested in filing for Disaster Unemployment Assistance should visit the nearest state unemployment office. - I received the $2,000 Expedited Assistance, now I won't qualify for any other aid. Not True: The Expedited Assistance you received was an advance of the total amount of assistance that you may be eligible for. - I did not receive the $2,000 Expedited Assistance, so I will be getting less. Not True: If you did not receive expedited assistance, and if you are eligible, you can still receive the full amount of help through FEMA's Transitional Housing, Rental Assistance, Other Needs Assistance, and Home Repair programs, and through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). - I have to return home before I can apply for disaster assistance. Not True: You can apply from wherever you are at this time, whether you are staying with friends or family, or are sheltering with the American Red Cross or another organization. FEMA cannot help you until you register, so please register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 , or online by visiting www.fema.gov . - I already repaired my home. I don't need to apply. Not True: You might qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by insurance. - I have to know exactly what the damage was before I can apply or get aid, and I can't get to my home to see. Not True: If you evacuated before the disaster and know your home was in a disaster area, report there was damage. You do not need to know the details. It will be presumed damage resulted from the storm. Do not say damages are unknown. - I have to be present when the inspector comes to have an inspection. Not True: If you are not able to return home to meet an inspector, you can identify an "Authorized Agent" who can be present during the inspection, such as a trusted neighbor or relative. After you register, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment, and you can discuss this with the inspector. If you do not have someone in the area who can represent you, the inspector can offer an Authorized Agent who is a FEMA employee who can represent your interests. - I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan. Not True: If you lived in a presidentially declared disaster parish, you are eligible to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA. If the SBA cannot approve your loan application, you may be referred to other agencies for additional assistance, but that can't happen if you don't return your application. - I must own a business to apply for a loan from the SBA. Not True: The SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of federal assistance for long-term recovery for homeowners, renters and business owners. SBA covers uninsured or underinsured losses for real estate damages as well as personal property damages. SBA
Disaster Loans General Information and Frequently Asked Questions Mental Health Crisis Counseling Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), TTY 1-800-799-4889 This number is available for people to call if anyone is in emotional distress or suicidal in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. A caller will speak to trained staff who will provide immediate access to local resources, referrals and expertise. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network. The network is run by HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and involves more than 110 certified crisis centers. People will be provided with immediate access to local resources, referrals and expertise. FEMA Louisiana - 800-273-8255, 866-615-8700, or 888-622-6470 Tennessee – 800-809-9957 The purpose of the crisis counseling program is to help relieve any grieving, stress, or mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster or its aftermath. These short-term services are only available to survivors of declared major disasters. Callers should identify themselves as Katrina evacuees and explain what they need. Crisis response staff can assist in an emergency situation, distribute local referral information, or arrange contact by an outreach counselor as needed. Officials said stress and inability to cope often appear weeks or months after traumatic events. Disaster victims may experience any of several emotional responses including anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, depression, nightmares, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, drug use and increased use of alcohol. United Healthcare 866-615-8700 Callers can speak with counselors to help them handle the difficult emotions they may experience such as stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers also may receive referrals from a national database of community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues. Callers who may have suffered physical trauma or symptoms will be transferred to a nurse who will be able to provide health education and decision support regarding the need for medical treatment. Tax Relief For Hurricane Katrina Evacuees For Katrina evacuees now living in other states, there may be tax relief options available. A September Hurricane Katrina relief bill allows Katrina-impacted taxpayers in disaster-declared counties to avoid having to deduct 10 percent of their adjusted gross income and a $100 deductible to claim disaster losses on their federal taxes. Under the legislation, Katrina victims who can itemize deductions will be able to claim their entire disaster loss, minus any insurance payments or other reimbursements. Some tax filers may find that hurricane losses enable them to itemize deductions when they might not have otherwise qualified to do so. The new law also: - Allows Katrina victims to withdraw up to $100,000 without tax penalties from certain retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts, to pay for disaster-related needs. - Suspends limits on individual cash contributions made to qualified charities beginning August 28, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2005. - Provides a tax benefit for people who volunteer to take in Katrina victims, a $500 deduction for each person they house for at least six months, up to a cap of $2,000. The IRS allows people in federally-declared counties with casualty losses from the disaster to claim this year’s losses on last year’s tax return, or to amend last year’s return if it’s already been filed. This may give victims a quicker refund than would be possible filing the loss with a 2005 tax return. To see how the law applies to their individual situation, evacuees should see a tax consultant or talk with the IRS for specifics. More information is available online at www.irs.gov and at the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation website, www.house.gov/jct. People who have registered for disaster assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 can talk with an IRS representative at any of the disaster recovery centers set up in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Kentucky to help Katrina victims. The IRS also has established a toll-free hotline for hurricane victims at 1-866-562-5227. There, callers can find out about available tax relief, get free copies of their tax return transcripts and receive disaster tax loss kits. To calculate a federal casualty loss deduction, go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov or read IRS Publication 547, “Casualties, Disasters and Thefts.” For state income tax waivers or other benefits for Katrina victims, evacuees should check with the state tax office where they formerly resided. Property tax reductions may also be available in certain jurisdictions. For that information, evacuees are urged to consult the tax office in the county or parish where their property is located. Hurricane National Job Bank Matching Workers with 83,281 Jobs A national Hurricane Recovery Job Connection online job bank has been created to help workers unemployed because of Hurricanes Katrina or Rita. The US Department of Labor program can be accessed online at www.ajb.org and is updated daily with new jobs listed by employers. The new resource was created “to connect workers with employers who have jobs to give, including temporary jobs cleaning up and rebuilding devastated communities.” Connections can also be made with more permanent career jobs. On October 4th, the site listed 83,281 available jobs, though only 707 worker resumes had been posted for employers to review. The site allows workers to establish a personal account, write and post their resumes and create a cover letter. It also features “scout” a device to help employees find the kind of job they want or to help employers find the workers they need. The results are then automatically emailed to employee or employer. Hurricane Recovery Assistance for Income Support and Jobs The U.S. Department of Labor is providing assistance to individuals impacted by the Gulf Coast hurricanes focused on getting income assistance to displaced workers as quickly as possible. Available resources include: - DOL's National Contact Center - 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365) - Unemployment Insurance claims (see http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp) can be filed in: Texas, 1-800-939-6631 Louisiana, 1-800-430-8076 Mississippi, 1-888-844-3577 Florida, 1-866-FLA-2345 (1-866-352-2345) Alabama, 1-866-234-5382 - Disaster Unemployment Assistance for self-employed and newly employed who are ineligible for UI (see http://www.doleta.gov/Katrina/LNKDetails.cfm?lnkid=4), can file claims in: Texas, 1-800-939-6631 Louisiana, 1-800-430-8076 Mississippi, 1-888-844-3577 Alabama, 1-866-234-5382 - Hurricane Recovery Job Connection for workers impacted by the Gulf Coast hurricanes and employers who want to hire them (http://www.jobsearch.org/katrinajobs/). - Information on National Emergency Grants (NEGs) for Louisiana (http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20051678.htm) Mississippi (http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20051670.htm) Alabama (http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20051653.htm), and Texas (http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20051679.htm). - Information on Job Training Grants for Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas (http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20051702.htm). - DOL's Career One-Stop Web site (http://www.careeronestop.org/). Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available to Hurricane Victims Katrina-related disaster declarations have made several individual assistance programs available, including the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. DUA provides assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are NOT eligible for regular state unemployment insurance. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees DUA and coordinates with FEMA, which provides the funds for payment of DUA and state administration. DUA is administered by the state workforce agency responsible for providing state unemployment insurance (UI) through agreement with the Department of Labor. Additional information related to filing and eligibility for DUA and UI, jobs and training programs can be obtained from the state workforce agencies’ Websites that are linked to the website http://www.ows.doleta.gov/unemploy/hurricane.asp. Individuals who reside in AL, MS, and LA and those who evacuated to other states may file a claim for unemployment insurance (UI) or a claim for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Contact information for both UI and DUA in these three states follows: - Alabama claims are filed by calling 1-866-234-5382 or TDY at 1-800-449-2035. General questions about UI and DUA are answered at 1-800-361-4524. - Louisiana claims are filed over the Internet at www.laworks.net or by calling 1-800-818-7811. Claimants who were previously receiving benefits, have questions or need to change their address should call 1-866-783-5567. - Mississippi claims are filed by calling 1-888-844-3577 or by visiting any office of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. A list of the offices currently open is available at http://mdes.ms.gov/wps/portal/#null. Information on filing for benefits and office locations may also be obtained by calling the Department of Labor's toll-free number at 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627). Office locations throughout the country are available from America's Service Locator at www.servicelocator.org. Home Inspections For Residents Who Are Away From Home Residents applying for FEMA aid will be contacted by inspection contractors to set up an inspection date and time. If applicants cannot return home for inspections, they can still have their home inspected. If unable to meet an inspector at their homes, applicants can identify an “Authorized Agent” to be present during the inspection, such as a trusted neighbor or relative. The FEMA inspector will fax an “Applicant Authorized Agent release form” to be signed and returned by fax before the inspection can occur. If the applicant does not have someone in the area that can be the Authorized Agent, the inspector can offer an Authorized Agent who is a FEMA employee that represents the interests of the applicant. The inspector will fax the release form to the applicant to be signed and returned to the inspector by fax. All applicants must provide proof that they occupy the residence, whether they rent or own the home. Occupancy can be verified, for example, with a copy of a Louisiana drivers’ license, other photo identification with address, a utility bill, or a credit card statement showing the physical address of the residence. Homeowners who apply for aid will be required to verify ownership; the homeowner can provide a property tax receipt, mortgage payment stub, or the cover sheet of the homeowner’s insurance policy. If the applicant cannot be present at the inspection, this information should be provided by fax to the FEMA-contracted inspector before the inspection is scheduled. If the dwelling is not locked, the inspector can enter to perform a complete inspection. If unable to enter, because the home locked or unsafe to enter, the inspector will do an “Exterior Inspection”; personal property will be visually verified through windows where possible. In many cases, this type of inspection provides adequate verification of damaged property. Return to the Tulane home page
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