Helene reminds us to keep paperwork in order
The devastation of Hurricane Helene is a harsh reminder to keep copies of important paperwork easily accessible.
In order to file any type of emergency assistance claim, the ability to quickly access these documents is invaluable. It is important to have both electronic and water proofed paper copies.
In order to receive government assistance, you must show proof of citizen status. Only United States citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified non-citizens are eligible.
Have on hand social security cards and/or passports, marriage licenses, birth certificates, proof of home ownership, proof of insurance for vehicles, homes and rental properties including policy numbers, contact information and the agent’s name, banking information, including account information for direct deposit and household annual income documentation and pay check stubs.
When preparing to file for disaster relief, it is important to photograph all of the damage.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) cannot help with losses already covered by insurance. FEMA assistance is designed to help the uninsured and under insured.
To apply for government disaster assistance, visit www.disasterassitance. gov.
For technical assistance with the the site, the number is 1-800-7450243.
For assistance completing the application, call the FEMA helpline at 1800-621-3362 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week.
For assistance such as home repair and replacement, FEMA must confirm the disaster-damaged home is your primary residence and you owned the residence at the time of the disaster.
FEMA verifies this information through an automated public records search when you apply. If FEMA cannot confirm your occupancy or ownership through the public records search, additional documents may be needed.
The Individuals and Households program (IHP) is available to provide financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households.
When applying for FEMA assistance, all of the application information must be true. The application is a legal document and the information given is provided under penalty of perjury. Providing untrue information could result in criminal charges, including up to five years in prison.
You may also apply for assistance for necessities such as food, water, baby formula, diapers and other emergency supplies, damaged essential household items (room furnishings, appliances), clothing, clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier), tools and specialized clothing required for your job, necessary educational materials (computers, schoolbooks, supplies), and certain accessibility items, damage to an essential vehicle, disaster-related funeral and burial expenses, disaster-related child-care expenses, disaster-related medical and dental expenses and moving and storage expenses.
For more information, visit www.fema.gov. To apply for assistance, visit www.disasterassistance.gov.
