After Irene, My Offices Are Ready to Help You Navigate the Federal Disaster Assistance Process PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 31 August 2011 09:47

Today, President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration for 19 counties in New York. This designation will enable individuals, families, businesses, farmers and municipalities in our district to use federal aid to repair and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

My offices across the district are able help you navigate the process of applying for federal aid. Read on to find out more about what assistance may be available to you. Please note that Delaware, Dutchess and Ulster are the only counties in our district currently eligible for assistance. I'm working to add additional counties to this list and it is likely more areas will be eligible for assistance in the coming days.

Individual Assistance:

The United States Government will provide federal aid and funding directly to affected individuals in Delaware, Dutchess and Ulster counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide grants for short-term housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and temporary unemployment payments. Other agencies, including the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide assistance for businesses and farms that have suffered losses due to hurricane Irene. For a full list of grants available, please visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Residents and business owners who are eligible for aid through the Individual Assistance Program may begin applying tomorrow, September 1, by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).

Applicants who use TTY, due to a speech disability or hearing loss, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly.

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. These toll-free numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Smartphone users can register through FEMA's mobile site at m.fema.gov.

Public Assistance:

State and local governments are eligible to apply for emergency assistance through FEMA's Public Assistance Program. This program will provide funding for hazard mitigation projects which protect property and public health and will fund the repair or replacement of damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools, and other publicly owned property.

For more details on the type of assistance available, please visit: DisasterAssistance.gov

 

fp-button6fp-button5 fp-button1fp-button4 fp-button2 fp-button3