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FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals
FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals
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Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals & Households Program
Ayuda Después de un Desastre: Guía para Solicitantes al Programa para Individuos y Familias
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Call to Apply for Assistance 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. You may also register online.
- For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
- Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.
- What You Can Do If You're Having Trouble Getting Through
- If you get a busy signal, try to call in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.
The information you provide is put into the computer
- You are now in the system
- The recovery process begins
If you have questions, review the Applicant Assistance Guide or visit Frequently Asked Questions.
- If you are unable to find the information you are seeking, call FEMA's Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Refer to the application number the registrars gave you when you applied.
Making an optional visit to a Disaster Recovery Center to receive more information after you have registered by phone
- Here you will find local, state, federal, and voluntary agencies that may be able to assist you
Inspector will call to schedule an appointment.
- There is NO FEE for the inspection.
- Inspectors will set up an appointment to visit your property within a few days of application.
- Inspectors are contractors; they are not FEMA employees, but they will have FEMA ID.
Inspector will visit damaged property.
- Be present for your scheduled appointment.
- They will inspect the damage, verify ownership and occupancy, and make a report. Inspectors do not determine eligibility.
- If eligible, you will receive a housing assistance check within 7-10 days.
If eligible, housing assistance check will arrive.
- Money may be spent for housing needs.
Packet will arrive in mail.
- There may be an SBA application enclosed.
- You MUST fill out and return this to be eligble for any further assistance.
- Refer to SBA home page for more information. (www.sba.gov/disaster/)
To reduce future loss, consider taking steps to rebuild safer and smarter.
- Take measures to reduce losses in the future.
- Encourage community to participate in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Consider buying flood insurance.
Call the FEMA Fraud Hotline if you suspect someone is filing false damage claims
- 1-800-323-8603
- Make sure disaster aid goes to those who deserve it.
- It is a violation of Federal law to file a false claim.
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