How To Register For Federal Disaster Relief

By Keith M. Phaneuf

©The Connecticut Mirror

Residents of the four Connecticut counties declared federal disaster areas Tuesday must register with federal authorities either online or by telephone to receive aid, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced Wednesday.

“This declaration will bring much-needed financial assistance to residents who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy,” Malloy said. “But it is critical to note that you must register with FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] to begin the process of accessing possible federal assistance. We will continue to work to get the rest of the counties in the state declared.”

The declaration will trigger federal funding for temporary housing payments, grants to repair homes, extended unemployment benefits and low-interest loans to businesses and farms.

Residents and businesses in New London, Middlesex, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties, as well as the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations, may register by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). The text telephone line for those with speech or hearing disabilities is 800-462-7585. The line is open from 7 am to 10 pm, seven days per week.

Affected parties in the four shoreline counties and two tribal nations also may complete applications for disaster aid online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

The Malloy administration is continuing to work with FEMA officials in hopes of opening federal relief to residents and businesses of Connecticut’s four other counties: Windham Tolland, Hartford and Litchfield.

The governor’s office also reminded residents and businesses in the nondeclared counties Wednesday that they can report damage to the state by Internet or telephone. Reports can be filed by calling the state’s Infoline at 211, or on the web at www.211ct.org.