Misunderstandings Can Cause Newtowners To Miss Out On Disaster Aid

By John Voket

With the August 13 deadline to file for storm-related assistance approaching, emergency officials do not want possible benefit claimants in Newtown to miss qualifying for available disaster aid. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Connecticut Governor M Jodi Rell this week expressed concern over growing confusion about benefit programs.

Following a disaster, rumors, half-truths and misunderstandings about federal and state assistance can cause some storm-struck residents to miss out on much-needed help.

“The last thing you need in a disaster is misinformation,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Parker, “and the best way to avoid that problem is for you to call and ask about assistance yourself.”

Misinformation may deprive eligible individuals, households, and business owners of vital aid from the state of Connecticut and FEMA.

“Although our neighbors and fellow workers may believe they have the right information regarding disaster recovery, oftentimes it is incomplete,” said Governor Rell. “Don’t rely on the word on the street. Call, go online, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center and register for assistance. This is the right source of information on the help that may be available to you.”

Anyone with damages and losses caused by the storms from April 15 to April 27 may apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with a speech- or hearing-impairment can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Both telephone lines are open from 8 am to 6 pm seven days a week. Residents and business owners affected by these specific storms can also go to www.fema.gov to register online.

Claimants should include their own and their spouse’s Social Security number, any related private insurance information, the address and zip of the damaged property, and a list of damages and losses suffered, as well as daytime phone contact information.

FEMA has illustrated examples of the most common misconceptions:

*I called the 211 number and reported my damages and losses; therefore, I’m registered for federal and state disaster assistance programs.

Not True: The call to 211 was to help locate areas affected by the April storms that may have been overlooked in the first preliminary damage assessments. Now, a second call to FEMA must be made to register for federal and state programs.

*I have insurance, so there is no other help available.

Not True: FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, but you may be eligible for help with losses not covered or damage in excess of your coverage (“underinsured”). That’s why it is important to register for assistance even while you are working with your insurance company to assess your insurance coverage.

*I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance.

Not True: Don’t wait for an adjuster before applying for aid or making repairs needed to make your house livable. Follow your policy guidelines and keep your receipts.

*I already repaired my home. I don’t need to apply.

Not True: You might qualify for reimbursement of expenses not covered by insurance. Keep your receipts.

*I got help from the Red Cross, so I’m already registered with FEMA.

Not True: Registration with the Red Cross is not the same as registration with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

*I got help from the Red Cross, so now I can’t get help from FEMA or the state.

Not True: FEMA and the state coordinate a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing, and shelter initially provided by the Red Cross and other voluntary agencies.

*I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid.

Not True: The kinds of help provided depend on each applicant’s circumstances. Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those with damages, regardless of income.

*I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan.

Not True: If you live in a declared county, you are eligible to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). If SBA cannot approve your loan application, you may be referred to other agencies for additional assistance, but that can’t happen if you don’t return your application.

*I must own a business to apply for a loan from the SBA.

Not True: The SBA low-interest loan is the primary source of federal assistance for long-term recovery for homeowners, renters, and business owners. SBA covers uninsured or underinsured losses for real estate damages as well as personal property damages for homeowners and renters.

*I rent an apartment. I can’t get help.

Not True: There are several types of assistance available to renters. One grant may help them with temporary housing needs if they have to move because of disaster damage or loss. Another grant may be available to an eligible individual or family with serious, disaster-related needs and necessary expenses that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs.

Newtown’s emergency management director, Fire Marshal William Halstead, reminds anyone interested in applying for assistance that August 13 is the final day to contact FEMA to register for assistance.