UNDERSTANDING FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS, HOUSEHOLDS
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/ekhoaaaychkhwaamswnyehlyykhng-fema-samlbbukkhon-khoweyyn]


Release Date: 
10월 16, 2020 

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Eligible survivors of California wildfires
covered in the Aug. 22 federal disaster declaration may apply for aid
covering a variety of expenses.

The first step is to register with FEMA online at
disasterassistance.gov [https://www.disasterassistance.gov/], with the
FEMA app downloaded to your smartphone or tablet, or by calling the
FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The deadline to
register is Nov. 23.

The scope of FEMA monetary awards is set by law. They are not a
substitute for insurance and cannot make up for all losses caused by a
disaster. They are intended to help survivors get a start on the road
to recovery. These awards, unlike loans, do not need to be repaid and
are intended to help disaster survivors who have uninsured or
underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.

FEMA evaluates each application for assistance individually as no
survivor’s situation is the same.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, which issues the awards, has
two parts: Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Whether you are a homeowner or renter, wildfire survivors should save
receipts for recovery expenses to submit for reimbursement by FEMA.

_HOMEOWNERS._ To assure a survivor’s home is returned to a safe,
sanitary and functional condition, FEMA may provide awards to eligible
homeowners to repair uninsured damage to their homes. FEMA can also
provide funds to help with uninsured costs to replace a destroyed
home, as well as utilities. Only homeowners occupying a home as a
primary residence at the time of the disaster are eligible for these
awards. FEMA cannot offer them for repair of second homes.

When wildfire survivors register with FEMA, survivors can report major
home damage that has made the home uninhabitable. This may include
smoke that makes the home unsafe for occupancy. A habitable home has
plumbing, electricity, windows, a roof, doors and walls to secure it
and make it safe from the elements. FEMA inspects all properties with
major damage before making awards.

Applicants whose homes are still useable may request an inspection
later if they find more damage than they previously indicated.

To keep survivors and FEMA staff safe in the COVID-19 environment, all
initial damage inspections are being done by phone. In an interview,
inspectors ask applicants questions to record the extent of damage;
they play no role in determining FEMA grants. Approved FEMA inspectors
will supply part of a survivor’s registration number at the start of
a call. Survivors who don’t have their number may call the FEMA
Helpline for assistance. FEMA may follow up after the initial
inspector’s interview with an exterior verification inspection to
confirm the level of damage.

_RENTERS._ Tenants may also be eligible for help from FEMA, such as
with rent payments when they move due to damage to their homes or with
replacement of essential personal property that was damaged or
destroyed.

_SURVIVORS WITH INSURANCE._ FEMA may be able to fill the gap where a
survivor’s insurance doesn’t provide coverage for some
disaster-related costs, such as those for renting an alternative place
to live while a home is rebuilt or repaired, or when coverage has been
exhausted and there is still an unmet need. It is important to note
that FEMA cannot pay insurance deductibles. FEMA encourages survivors
with insurance to register for assistance by Nov. 23 even if they
don’t know whether they will be eligible. FEMA can determine their
eligibility once their insurance claim is settled.

 

_SBA DISASTER LOANS_. U.S. Small Business Administration disaster
loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes,
and private nonprofit organizations. When disaster survivors need to
borrow to repair damage, the low-interest rates and long terms (up to
30 years) available from SBA make recovery affordable. In some cases,
refinancing of prior liens is also available. A disaster loss is
unexpected. For most disaster survivors, it is beyond their means to
pay for disaster damages with their own resources without hardship.

OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE

Disasters can cause serious financial burdens other than for housing
needs. For eligible applicants, FEMA and state grants may help pay for
such non-housing costs as:

 	* Disaster-related funeral and medical or dental costs
 	* Necessary educational materials (computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
 	* Disaster-destroyed tools necessary for the survivor to make a
living
 	* Childcare
 	* Other necessary expenses or serious needs
 	* Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged vehicle*
 	* Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster*
 	* Personal property: replacement of clothing, furniture and
appliances*

*Applicants who are not referred to the SBA -- or are referred but not
approved for an SBA loan -- may be eligible for the following types of
help: personal property assistance; transportation assistance to
repair or replace an eligible vehicle damaged by a disaster and other
transportation-related costs; or assistance with moving and storage
expenses. Survivors who want FEMA’s help with these types of losses
must first complete an SBA loan application. No one is ever required
to accept a loan. If you have registered with FEMA and the SBA
determines you are not eligible for a loan, it will automatically
refer you to FEMA’s Individuals and Households program and your file
will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for additional
assistance.

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