New Mexico Wildfires DR-4652 Frequently Asked Questions and Rumor Control

No. Food loss is not covered by FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP). Voluntary Organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with food needs.

Fact:

Wrong. You must apply to FEMA directly for disaster assistance. New Mexico residents can apply by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

No. FEMA will provide disaster assistance to eligible applicants for a primary residence. FEMA will not consider more than one primary residence for a survivor and his/her spouse. FEMA defines your primary residence as the place where you live for more than six months of the year.

Fact:

FEMA grants do not have to be paid back. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental, funeral or transportation repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

Fact:

FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income by the IRS.

Fact:

While FEMA, by law, cannot duplicate insurance benefits, many homeowners find they were underinsured for their losses and should apply to see if they are eligible for disaster assistance.

Fact:

FEMA funding is available to assist all eligible residents who have suffered losses because of the wildfires.

Fact:

FEMA is committed to giving each individual survivor all the help for which they are eligible. FEMA evaluates the needs of all eligible survivors on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to tell FEMA about the needs of all members of your household, whether they are related to one another or not. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-321-3362 if you need to update your application or have questions about the needs of any members of your household.

Fact:

As an organization that was created to help disaster survivors recover from loss, FEMA stands by the principle of fairness. Everyone is allowed the same opportunity to access our programs, resources and tools. Our programs are provided to everyone, and they are determined solely on the basis of need. In addition, reasonable accommodations are available for people who might need them, including people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or require foreign language interpretation.

Fact:

Applicants who apply for FEMA disaster assistance and are referred to the SBA and do not complete a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application could be missing a good opportunity. The SBA offers affordable financial help to homeowners and renters. You don't need to own a business to request assistance.

An SBA low-interest disaster loan may cover some or all of the difference between your recovery costs, the insurance settlement, and the FEMA grant amount.

• SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners up to the $200,000 statutory maximum to repair or replace your primary residence. The loans are customized to your personal financial circumstances. On a case-by-case basis, the SBA may be able to assist with refinancing your current mortgage(s).
• SBA can also help renters and homeowners replace household contents and vehicles, referred to as personal property. You may be able to borrow up to the $40,000 statutory maximum to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances that were damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

You can contact an SBA customer service representative via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.govor by phone at 800-659-2955. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor with their disaster recovery and will provide one-on-one assistance in completing applications for these loans. You can apply online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.