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Boyda's Website Launches "Casework Corner"

FIRST EDITION OF NEW BLOG FOCUSES ON JULY 5 FEMA DISASTER RELIEF DEADLINE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) today launched a new feature on her official Congressional website: Casework Corner, a weekly blog in which Boyda's constituent services staff will offer guidance on dealing with federal agencies, provide updates on federal programs, and share stories about constituents who have contacted Boyda's office.

The Casework Corner blog is one of several new features added during Boyda's recent overhaul of her official website, www.boyda.house.gov. Other features include a weekly e-newsletter, Congress in Your Inbox; a photo gallery; and a calendar of upcoming Congress on Your Corner events. Additionally, a new Letter of the Week blog is expected to launch later this week, highlighting mail that Boyda has recently received from her constituents.

The first Casework Corner, authored by Boyda's district director, Jason Fizell, focuses on the upcoming July 5 deadline for area residents to apply for FEMA disaster relief. The text of Fizell's article is below.

"On May 6th and 7th, I joined Congresswoman Boyda as she surveyed flooded areas and consoled displaced homeowners in northeast Kansas. We saw a great deal of damage and, more importantly, folks' determination to recover from what mother nature had sent their way. In the weeks following, constituent calls regarding availability of federal assistance have kept our office phones ringing. From a nephew attempting to assist a disabled aunt to the nicest elderly woman sorting through now-mildewed mementos, we have received some powerful and touching calls.

"I am happy to report that the vast majority of people’s experiences with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been very positive, and that our office has worked closely with FEMA staff to assist those who have had any troubles navigating the process. Therefore, as we are coming up on a crucial deadline, I would like to briefly summarize the process below.

"Most importantly, if you suffered property damage in the storms, floods, or tornadoes that swept across Kansas in May, you should know that July 5th is the deadline to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.

"In the Second District, residents of Leavenworth, Osage, Riley, and Shawnee counties are eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, which helps homeowners, families, and businesses cover immediate, necessary expenses in the aftermath of a declared natural disaster. Funds may be used for housing, disaster-related medical and dental costs, clothing, household items, and other serious needs.

"The first step is to register for individual disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or visiting the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm. When you call, you should have a pen and paper available to write down important phone contacts. You will need your social security number, current and pre-disaster address, phone numbers, type of insurance coverage, total household annual income, and a routing and account number from your bank if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account.

"Even if you believe that your losses are covered by insurance, we encourage you to register by the July 5th deadline. Registering will ensure your eligibility for FEMA relief in case your insurance claim is denied or does not cover your immediate needs.

"After registering, you will receive a packet of information that may include a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application. FEMA advises that you should complete the SBA application even if you do not want a loan, as applicants who do not return their SBA applications will not be considered for other FEMA assistance.

"To streamline this process, a state-federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Topeka at the Ramada Tower, 420 S.E. Sixth Avenue (Third Floor). The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. FEMA and SBA representatives are available at the DRC to meet individually with each resident or business owner to answer any questions about SBA's disaster loan program, help them complete a disaster loan application, and accept completed applications. Anyone not able to visit a Disaster Recovery Center should call 1-800-659-2955 or visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

"I hope this explanation has been useful to those seeking federal assistance for flooding losses. If you should have any questions or concerns after contacting FEMA and/or SBA, please feel free to contact our office at 785-234-8111 for additional assistance."