PONCE, Puerto Rico – Your friends or neighbors may not understand how disaster assistance programs work. Urge them to find out if they may be eligible for help. Emphasize to friends and neighbors the first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to apply with FEMA.
The deadline to apply is July 2.
Maybe they have not applied to FEMA because they have insurance. But federal disaster assistance may pay for damage that their insurance did not cover. Advise them to go ahead and apply.
Some may think they didn’t sustain enough damage to apply. But if damage shows up that was not visible at first, FEMA may help if they have applied for disaster assistance. Everyone needs to be sure their home is safe and secure for any emergency.
There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant, so they should not worry that they are taking money from other applicants they feel need it more.
Assure your friends, neighbors and family members that disaster assistance grants are not taxable income. The grants will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, Supplemental Security Income or any other federal programs.
There are several ways to apply for disaster assistance:
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA). For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA). For more information go to: www.fema.gov/mobile-app.
Survivors should let FEMA know if they have a request for a reasonable accommodation. FEMA can provide sign language interpreters and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print and electronic versions.
For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4473 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.
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