Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gillibrand
“This declaration will unlock significant emergency FEMA funding that will go directly into the hands of New Yorkers so we can begin to rebuild and recover,” Sen. Gillibrand said.
By Forum Staff
This week, President Biden granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Westchester, unlocking the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s largest grant program to assist local municipalities and communities responding to and recovering from major disasters.
According to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), the FEMA Public Assistance Program will provide New York State, local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes with emergency funding to assist with protecting property, restoring community infrastructure affected, and preventing fatalities. The FEMA Individuals and Households Program will provide resources for temporary housing, repairing or replacing owner-occupied homes, and services for those who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- States, territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local governments
- Certain private nonprofit organizations and institutions
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must file a Request for Public Assistance within 30 days of the date their respective area is designated by the federal declaration. Following the approved request, FEMA and the applicants will conduct additional meetings to discuss disaster damage and project formulation. Applicants must identify and report damages to FEMA within the 60-day regulatory timeframe. FEMA, the recipient, or the applicant will then prepare project worksheets for eligible work and eligible facilities based on actual or estimated project costs.
The federal share of assistance will not be less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The recipient determines how the non-federal share of 25 percent will be dispersed to its applicants.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A disaster survivor:
- Whose home is uninhabitable as a result of the disaster
- Who agrees to relocate
- Whose housing needs are not covered by insurance
IHP Assistance may include funds for:
- Temporary housing or a temporary housing unit
- Repairing or replacing of owner-occupied homes
- Other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs
- Hazard mitigation assistance
HOW TO APPLY
Before you apply for assistance, below are the steps you need to take to start your recovery process:
Step One: Take photos of your damaged home and belongings.
Step Two: Make a list of damaged/lost items.
Step Three: Save yourself time. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, continue to Step Four.
Step Four: Now that you’re ready to apply now for disaster assistance or you would like more information on the types of assistance available, please utilize one of the following methods.
You may apply for the Individuals and Households Program or check your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov.
You may call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to apply for assistance or check your application status.
For more information about the FEMA Public Assistance Program, visit: fema.gov/assistance/public
For more information on the FEMA Individual Assistance Prgoram, visit: fema.gov/assistance/individual
HMA Helpline: 1-866-222-3580
“This declaration will unlock significant emergency FEMA funding that will go directly into the hands of New Yorkers so we can begin to rebuild and recover. These resources will help ensure the safety of all New Yorkers today and from future storms,” Gillibrand said. “I strongly encourage all eligible New York entities and individuals to apply for either the FEMA Public Assistance Program or the Individual Assistance Program.”
