FEMA Recovery Resource Center

ASSISTANCE IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE SANDY

Hurricane Sandy was an unprecedented storm that left a devastating impact on our communities in New Jersey- damaging homes, businesses, and leaving millions without power.  Hudson, Essex, Middlesex, and Union counties in particular, were hit hard by Sandy.  As we look to rebuild, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress, as well as state and local leaders to ensure that New Jersey has the necessary resources for recovery. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey, including direct federal assistance, for Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties (for eligibility, check the SBA Fact Sheet). New Jersey residents and business owners in these counties may apply online for federal assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). 

In addition, small businesses in the above counties are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).  To determine if you are eligible please review SBA’s eligibility requirements. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

 

DISASTER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS

New Jersey residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy will receive additional emergency food assistance.  Many residents of the New Jersey counties most severely impacted by Sandy, including Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, and Union counties, will be eligible to receive Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to help cover the costs of food.   Current food stamp beneficiaries will directly see a supplemental benefit on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, while other individuals will be able to apply for D-SNAP benefits to relieve food costs associated with Sandy.

Specifically, current food stamp recipients for the eligible counties do not need to apply for D-SNAP because they have already received a 30 percent October replacement allocation on their EBT card and will also receive a supplemental benefit by December 7, 2012.  Other individuals can begin to apply for D-SNAP benefits on Monday, November 26th through Monday, December 3rd.  Eligible recipients will receive their benefits on an EBT card that may be used for the purchase of grocery food items.  To apply, applicants will need to go to the D-SNAP location in their own county and provide: identification and proof of residency; pay stubs and bank statements from October 28th through November 26th; and receipts that show more than $100 spent on disaster-related expenses between October 28th and November 26th. 

For more information on eligibility and the application process for D-SNAP, please visit www.njsnap.org.

 

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA) BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are eligible to New Jerseyans if they have become unemployed due to Hurricane Sandy and are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.  Eligibility is based on if you (1) no longer have a job, (2) are unable to reach the place of unemployment as a direct result of the major disaster, (3) were expected to start unemployment and now do not have a job or are unable to reach the job as direct result of the major disaster, (4) have become the breadwinner for your household as a result of the head of house of household passing away as a direct result from the disaster, or (5) cannot work because of a disaster-incurred injury.  More information about this program and where to apply for benefits under this program is available by calling 1-877-872-5627 or visiting

http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp. To file a claim, individuals should contact their NJ Career OneStop here: http://www.servicelocator.org/OWS_Select_Link.asp?state=34.

 

FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center are readily accessible facilities where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to your case. Services include:

  • Guidance regarding disaster recovery
  • Clarification of any written correspondence received
  • Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information
  • Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
  • Status of applications being processed by FEMA
  • SBA program information if there is a SBA Representative at the Disaster Recovery Center site

Visit the link to learn more about disaster recovery centers or to find a center near you: http://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

MORTGAGE RELIEF OPTIONS

Hurricane Sandy had a devastating effect on many homeowners in New Jersey. Attached is a flyer for resources and mortgage relief options for those affected by Sandy, which was put together by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.