FEMA PROVIDES FASTER OPTIONS TO APPLY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20221003/fema-provides-faster-options-apply-disaster-assistance]


Release Date: 
Oktòb 2, 2022 

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Survivors from Hurricane Fiona in Puerto
Rico are offered several, quicker alternatives to initiate their
recovery process when applying for FEMA disaster assistance, than the
regular FEMA registration phoneline. These options include downloading
the FEMA application, visiting www.disasterassistance.gov
[http://www.disasterassistance.gov] or the nearest joint Disaster
Recovery Center (DRC).

The current high volume of calls to the FEMA registration phone line
have considerably increased the wait time for survivors. Likewise,
repetitive calls from survivors to verify their application status is
delaying the initial application process for others also affected by
the storm.

“We understand how frustrated survivors may be right now because
they want to ensure they get registered for assistance with FEMA.
However, when applying through the webpage or the FEMA Application,
survivors not only avoid long waiting hours, or having to drive to
certain location, they get fast access to their application if they
want to check its status,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy
Casper. “We can assure that FEMA continues working on expanding the
capacity of the call centers, establishing DRCs, and conducting
outreach directly to communities with our disaster survivor assistance
teams.”

Survivors may register for assistance with FEMA through their smart
phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for
assistance right now, are:

 	* Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
[http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov]
 	* Download FEMA’s mobile app
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products?utm_source=news+release&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3.0_launch].
Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online
 	* Visiting the nearest DRC, which may be located using the following
link: Fema.gov/drc [http://www.fema.gov/drc]

Survivors that would rather apply by phone may call 1-800-621-3362.
Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages.
People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS),
captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for
that service. Operators are available from 7 A.M. TO 2 A.M. seven days
a week.