Kentucky Disaster Relief

"My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were affected by these devastating storms that took homes, businesses, and precious lives from our communities," says Congressman Rogers. "While the damage is widespread, so is the determination of our people to recover and succeed. We owe so much to the hundreds of first responders, local officials, Kentucky National Guardsmen, and volunteers working hard to lend a hand in our darkest hour. I will continue to work together with FEMA and Governor Beshear’s office to help move along the recovery process and get Kentuckians back on their feet. Together, we can rebuild and recover."


Click here to view a video clip of Congressman Rogers addressing FEMA Administrator Fugate on receiving disaster relief for Kentucky

Below Congressman Rogers has provided the answers to many frequently asked questions during the disaster recovery process:

-How do I apply for disaster relief?

-What information do I need to know about FEMA?

-What should I expect during the FEMA inspection process?

o A photo ID to prove identity, such as a driver’s license or passport.

• A lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was the primary residence at the time of the disaster 
• An employee pay stub and similar documents addressed to the applicant and showing the address of the damaged home

o Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following: 

• Deed showing applicant as the legal owner. 
• Title that lists applicant on actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the home; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address of the damaged home.
• Property insurance policy for the damaged home with applicant’s name listed as the insured. 
• Tax receipts or a property tax bill that lists the address of the damaged home and the applicant as the responsible party to the assessments. 

• Property owners who need to replace a document to prove property ownership should visit their local tax office Property Valuation Administrator. Proof of ownership may avoid long delays in receiving eligible FEMA funds.

-What can I expect after the FEMA Inspector’s visit?

-Who should I contact if I have questions about the progress of my application?

                    • Using a smartphone or Web-enabled device to visit m.fema.gov.

                    • Speaking with someone face to face at a disaster recovery center in your area.

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 -Where are FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers open?

• The Commonwealth of Kentucky and The Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers for Morgan County in West Liberty and Hazel Green for Wolfe County on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m.

• The recovery center in West Liberty will re-open as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 12, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

• Those applicants who have questions after the recovery centers close or those who have suffered damage and have not registered may call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline for registration for FEMA disaster assistance is May 7. Helpline assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

• By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

• The SBA outreach center is located at:

Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

Johnson County:

Paintsville Recreation Center

232 Preston St., Paintsville, KY 41240


Martin County:

Roy F. Collier Community Center

387 E. Main Street

Inez, KY 41224

      
Menifee County:

44 McCausey Ridge Road, Frenchburg, KY 40322

Magoffin County

First Baptist Church

134 Dixie Avenue, Salyersville, KY 41465

Lawrence Co. Community Center

180 Bulldog Lane, Louisa, KY 41230

Laurel County:

CD Ward Masonic Lodge

201 School Street, East Bernstadt, 40729


   

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Paintsville Church of Christ Contact: Mark McKenzie 606-789-6219

Red Bush Fire Dept Contact: Chief Buell Webb 606-265-3269

Assembly of Faith Contact: Jason Venson 571-439-1889

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 -What counties are eligible for disaster unemployment insurance?

• Kentuckians in the following 21 counties, Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Kenton, Johnson, LaRue, Lawrence, Laurel, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe, who have lost work or whose businesses were damaged due to severe weather that occurred February 29 – March 3, 2012, may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance (DUA).

• The counties in which DUA is currently available are: Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Kenton, Johnson, LaRue, Lawrence, Laurel, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe. The deadline to apply is April 16, 2012.

• Farmers and self-employed people who normally are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits also may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. 

     o OET helps individuals prepare for, secure and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best-qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. For more information about its services, visit http://oet.ky.gov/.

• Additional counties may be designated for federal disaster assistance at a later date if requested by the Commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. For more information about this disaster, please go to www.kyem.ky.gov/currentdisasters and www.fema.gov.

• All regular unemployment insurance benefits must be exhausted prior to receiving any disaster unemployment benefits. Applications can be filed at local Kentucky Career Center offices. When filing a claim, self-employed individuals should bring a copy of their 2011 income tax return. Other applicants need only a photo-identification card and their Social Security number.

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-How can I protect myself against disaster-related fraud?

• During the disaster relief process, Kentuckians should be on the alert for scam artists who may approach you in person, by telephone or via the Internet.

• Be alert when your doorbell rings: People going door-to-door to damaged homes or calling disaster victims claiming to be building contractors could be frauds. If visitors or callers ask for personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers, or for money, they are not legitimate.

• Federal disaster workers do not ask for accept money: Remember, FEMA and SBA staff members never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or for help in filling out applications. You should report people claiming to be government workers to local police. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or calling disaster victims claiming to be building contractors could be frauds. If visitors or callers ask for personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers, or for money, they are not legitimate.

• FEMA inspectors only verify damage: They do not determine the amount of a federal grant. FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage. FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage. FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage.

• To safeguard against disaster-related fraud, FEMA and Kentucky Emergency Management officials suggest the following precautions:

      Ask for official identification: Inspectors sent by FEMA, or verifiers from the SBA, carry official, laminated photo identification. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone's affiliation with the government. Applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier.
 Inspectors sent by FEMA, or verifiers from the SBA, carry official, laminated photo identification. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone's affiliation with the government. Applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier.

      Safeguard personal information: Do not give your Social Security number, bank account or FEMA registration number to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require this information. Do not give your Social Security number, bank account or FEMA registration number to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require this information.

• If you suspect anyone of committing fraudulent activities, whether it is a contractor, inspector, disaster survivor or someone posing as any of these, call the Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at 800-323-8603. Also let your local law enforcement agencies know.

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-What happens if I get a letter from FEMA requesting more information?

• Some Kentucky disaster victims may receive a letter from FEMA which indicates that more information is needed to determine eligibility for FEMA disaster assistance.
• Here are some common reasons why FEMA may need additional information from survivors:
  • The applicant did not provide complete insurance information
  • The applicant did not provide proof of occupancy or ownership of the damaged property.
  • The applicant received a loan application from the SBA and did not complete the application
  • The applicant was not available to set up an inspection for the damaged property or was absent when the inspector came to the property
  • Essential documents in the applications were not signed by the applicant.
• If you get a letter requesting more information or informing you of a decision you disagree with, FEMA urges you to call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 and to file an appeal.
  • Applicants who wish to appeal a decision may do so in writing within 60 days from the date of the decision or date of the determination letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.
• Applicants have up to 12 months from the date they registered with FEMA to submit insurance information for review. FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses already covered by insurance, but uninsured losses may qualify for a grant.
• Applicants who say their losses are covered by insurance will be sent a “Request for Information” letter which tells the applicant what information FEMA needs to provide additional assistance, and further describes the “Other Needs Assistance” category of help.
• The SBA loan application is important even for those who don’t want a loan. Information in the application can be considered in determining eligibility for other forms of disaster assistance. When the applicant fills out an SBA loan application, he or she is not obligated to take out an SBA loan.

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