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FEMA and other federal, state, local and volunteer
agencies offer disaster assistance in several forms:
Low-Interest Loans. Most, but not all, federal assistance is in the form of low interest
loans to cover expenses not covered by state or local programs, or private insurance.
People who do not qualify for loans may be able to apply for a cash grant. If you qualify,
your check will be issued in about three weeks.
The Farm Service Agency (FmHA)
and the Small Business Administration (SBA), offer low
interest loans to eligible individuals, farmers and businesses to repair or replace
damaged property and personal belongings not covered by insurance.
Cash Grants for up to $13,400 adjusted (annually for inflation). Individuals who do not
qualify for a loan from SBA may be eligible for these grants from FEMA and the state to
help recover uninsured property losses. Home inspections are normally conducted before a
check is issued. FEMA funds 75% of the grant program's eligible costs with the remaining
25% covered by the state. The state administers the program.
Housing Assistance. FEMA's Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHA) makes funds and
temporary housing available to individuals whose home is unlivable because of a disaster.
Veterans Benefits. The Department of Veterans' Affairs provides death benefits, pensions,
insurance settlements and adjustments to home mortgages for veterans.
Tax Refunds. The Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) allows certain casualty losses to be deducted on Federal income tax
returns for the year of the loss or through an immediate amendment to the previous year's
return.
Unemployment Benefits. Unemployment benefits may be available through the state
unemployment office and supported by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Crisis Counseling. Local and state health agencies, the American Red Cross, as well as
churches and synagogues may offer counseling to people who have experienced a disaster.
Free Legal Counseling. The Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, through
an agreement with FEMA, provides free legal advice for low-income individuals regarding
cases that will not produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid part of the
settlement which is awarded by the court). Cases that may generate a fee are turned over
to the local lawyer referral service.
Independent Study Programs. FEMA offers an Independent Study Program through the Emergency
Management Institute.
Individuals, families and businesses may be eligible for federal assistance if they live,
own a business, or work in a county declared a Major Disaster Area, incur sufficient
property damage or loss, and, depending on the type of assistance, do not have the
insurance or other resources to meet their needs. |
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