Seward: Deadline For Flood Aid Approaching

James L. Seward

September 24, 2006

Senator James L. Seward and otherstate and federal officials today reminded those who were affected by the June floods that they have only one week left to register for disaster assistance.

The registration deadline for both Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance and the New York State Individual and Family Grant Program is Monday, October 2, 2006.

"People who haven't applied should do so right away," Senator Seward said. "The deadline has been extended, and people who think they're eligible should get an application in right away."

"If you are waiting for an insurance settlement it is still necessary to register with the state and FEMA before the October 2 deadline to register for assistance," said John R. Gibb, director of the New York State Emergency Management Office.

"We don’t want anyone to miss out on disaster assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "Make the calls before next Monday."

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the June floods need to make these phone calls for assistance:

For the New York State Individual and Family Grant Program, call 1-888-7-NYS-AID (1-888-769-7243) or TTY: NYS Relay 711. Lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. You can also register online at www.labor.state.ny.us. New York’s Helpline is 1-888-329-7540 (open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday). For Empire State Development Corp. programs, call 1-800-STATE-NY. You also may register online at www.empire.state.ny.us/flood_grant.
For federal programs, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY: 1-800-462-7585. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. You can also register online at www.fema.gov. The FEMA Helpline number is the same as the registration number:

1-800-621 3362.

New York State and FEMA join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in reminding New Yorkers seeking assistance to complete and send in their SBA loan application. The SBA disaster loans are the primary source of long-term recovery aid.

The registration period and the deadline apply to the major federal disaster declaration on July 1 that enabled residents and business owners in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga and Ulster counties to register for state and federal recovery aid.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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