With the current ongoing disasters, both natural and manmade, many are deeply impacted on an everyday basis. There are many organizations that come forward to help all those stuck in the disaster. Some are large-scale government units, while others are private-sector units.
In the United States alone, there are several organizations providing relief work, but the most important is FEMA. FEMA Provides Disaster Relief Assistance in the US. Learn more about them in this article to get a grip on what you can do in any disaster situation & how to apply for disaster assistance application.
FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) works towards providing Disaster relief to people stuck in disasters and even extends its help before and after disasters.
FEMA has its main office in Washington, D.C. They equip the entire nation to manage and fight disasters. It works through its program offices and regional offices, which are present all across the United States of America. FEMA divides America into ten distinct regions that support various states and counties within.
FEMA Disaster Relief Assistance Application…Here is How to Apply
If you wish to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, you must use either of the following methods:
Apply via phone
You can call 1-800-621-3362 or 711 if available.
For help, call 1-800-745-0243.
Additionally, you can also apply online.
Use this link here to start the application process and fill-in the captcha details.
Accept the terms and conditions before moving ahead with the application. Start by filling your name, social security number, date of birth alongwith your email ID.
You will next need to add your language details, and other needs. Also add your phone numbers, address, including your county details.
What are the application requirements?
The following are your requirements for filling up the FEMA Disaster Relief application;
Include the social security number of all the household members.
Contact information that includes your complete mailing address, phone number, email address, and also your disaster stuck home details.
Your home’s annual household income
Bank account details must also go in.
If you are covered under any insurance, you must enter that information as well, like the coverage amount, insurance company name, and other relevant details.
Provide the identity of your disaster-damaged home and state papers to prove it.
Who is eligible?
You must fit into the eligibility criteria as given out by FEMA. It is not much except your citizenship status and also your destroyed home’s ownership proof. It includes;
Being a qualified non-citizen or a qualified US citizen to start the application process.
Your house must have been destroyed in the disaster to a certain extent, and it must be your primary residence.
FEMA verifies your income details as well to help you qualify for it.
What does FEMA disaster relief cover?
FEMA covers everything around a disaster, which will include the following segments:
Counseling services are provided to all.
Disaster case management and nutritional assistance are also provided to people.
Temporary housing assistance is given to homeowners.
Lodging expenses reimbursement is also provided to those who have homes in the area.
After a while, direct financial assistance is provided to people who are worst affected by the disaster.
Home repair monetary relief is also given to people.
If someone’s home is beyond repair, they will also be given home replacement facilities.
The maximum assistance for FEMA is $37900 for housing assistance and $37900 for other kinds of help. That is the maximum FEMA will pay you, and that is often enough along with other help provided by all.
Is FEMA disaster assistance taxable?
The FEMA disaster assistance provided to people is always non-taxable, and no one will need to pay taxes on the amount you receive from them.
Do you have to pay FEMA back for disaster relief?
They are grants, which typically don’t work like loans and ideally work like non-refundable payments. They will never affect your social security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP amounts.
How long does FEMA disaster relief take?
From the time the inspector visits you, it will take about ten working days for them to submit the amount to your account.
Where does FEMA funding come from?
The funding is given by the Housing and Urban Development Department and also by the Transportation Department of the United States.
Conclusion
The FEMA disaster relief program is a federal-state aid program, and you can get benefits when you seek them. They help mostly during and after the disaster, and if you are reading this right now to understand how best you can seek and get help, this article might provide you with a fair view of the assistance program designed by FEMA.
