Fema Disaster Aid Includes Housing Assistance

Senator James L. Seward said today the goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster housing program is to provide financial assistance to aid flood victims in addressing their needs for temporary housing and home repairs.

"Flooding victims should take every opportunity to ensure they are getting the most aid possible," Seward said.

Temporary Housing: Rental assistance for temporary housing may be available if the home is uninhabitable because of the disaster.

Home Repairs: Homeowners may be eligible for assistance to repair uninsured, flood-related damages. If the cost to repair the home exceeds the limits of the repair grant, the homeowner may also receive rental assistance.

Financial assistance for home repairs may address: structural parts of the home such as the foundation, outside walls, and roof; windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry; septic and sewage systems; well or other water system; heating and air conditioning systems; electric, gas, or plumbing systems; and removal of debris that is blocking access to the home.

To date, FEMA has disbursed more than $9.1 million in disaster housing assistance to eligible New Yorkers.

Residents must register with FEMA by calling the registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with hearing or speech impairments should call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. They can also register online at www.fema.gov. The type and amount of assistance is determined on a case by case basis.

To register for New York’s State Individual and Family Grant Program call 1-888-7-NYS-AID (1-888-769-7243) or (TTY) NYS Relay 711 or register online at www.labor.state.ny.us. The State lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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