HURRICANE SANDY DISASTER ASSISTANCE RESOURCES & INFORMATION from Senator Andrew J. Lanza

Andrew J Lanza

February 12, 2013

files/pdfs/Hurricane Disaster Assistance Resources.pdf

FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE – Deadline to Apply: February 27, 2013

Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy (homeowners, renters, and businesses) can apply for federal disaster assistance(FEMA). There are 3 ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

 Call 1-800-621-3362

 Call TTY 1(800)462-7585 (For people with speech or hearing impairments)

 Online at: http://www.disasterassistance.gov

 Smartphone: m.fema.gov

Before you call, be sure to have the following information ready: Address of affected property, insurance information, Social Security Number, current and pre-disaster address, all insurance information and total household annual income, a routing number and account number from your bank and a description of your losses that were caused by the disaster. After you've completed your application for assistance, you will receive a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.

NYC RESTORATION CENTERS

NYC Restore helps New Yorkers in the areas most affected by Hurricane Sandy get access to important information and services to help them recover. NYC Restoration Centers provide the following types of assistance:

• NYC Rapid Repairs

• Food and Nutrition Assistance

• Temporary Housing Information

• Health and Medical Benefits • Business Restoration

• Counseling Services

• Financial Assistance

• Personal Records and Information

Staten Island Location:
1976 Hylan Blvd., 10306
Open Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*For more information visit nyc.gov or call 311*

SPECIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The IRS has extended tax relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy; Return filing and tax payment deadline has been extended to April 1, 2013. The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting in late October. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until April 1, 2013, to file these returns and pay any taxes due.

Individuals who have sustained a casualty loss from a declared disaster may deduct personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements. For details, see Form 4684 and its instructions.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers will be open additional hours to provide help to taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Sandy:

10 Richmond Ter.
Staten Island, NY 10301
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(Closed for lunch 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
(212) 436-1000

IRS Disaster Assistance Hotline: 1‐866‐562‐5227 (Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)

HOUSING

Individuals and families who have been displaced by the disaster can use the FEMA Housing Portal to help find a place to live: fema.gov/housingportal

A two-week extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program has been approved. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended two-week period and the checkout date of February 24, 2013.

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE

The New York Legal Assistance Group has mobilized a legal aid disaster relief program to help victims of the storm deal with a range of legal issues. Those seeking immediate assistance with legal issues can call our hotline at 212-584-3365 or email us at StormHelp@nylag.org.

FREE MOLD REMEDIATION TRAINING

Learn to recognize hazards and the basics of mold remediation. Free mold cleaning kits distributed at training session includes equipment to help you safely remove mold from your home.

Midland Beach
Saturday, February 16, 2013, 1 pm - 5pm
Oasis Church
539 Greeley Avenue

South Shore
Saturday, February 23, 2013, 1 pm - 5pm
CYO-MIV Community Center at Mount Loretto
6541 Hylan Boulevard

JOBS

A variety of positions are available to work on recovery efforts. Qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Visit newyork.us.jobs and enter FEMA in the keyword search to see the full list of positions.

CRISIS COUNSELING / MENTAL HEALTH

Crisis counseling is designed to address the difficult transition that some disaster survivors may suffer between the immediate aftermath and to the long road ahead to recovery.

For more information on crisis counseling, call: 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638

Staten Island Mental Health Society - Mental health professionals are available to provide free counseling services and referrals.

SBA LOANS

Disaster home and business loans are available to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including contents. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes having difficulties meeting operating expenses because of the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and 19 SBA business recovery centers. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

HURRICANE SANDY HOTLINE CONTACTS AND NUMBERS

New York State Hurricane Sandy Helpline: 1-888-769-7243 / 1-518-485-1159
For Aging/Elderly: 1-800-342-9871
For Businesses seeking storm help (power issues, flooding, etc..): 1-888-769-7243 / disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
For Chemical/Oil Spills: 1-800-457-7362
For Disability Assistance: 1-800-342-3009
For Insurance or Banking issues: 1-800-339-1759
For Mental Health (Stress & Anxiety) Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
For PETS (Residents unable to evacuate with, assistance, retrieval): (347) 573-1561
For Sheltering/Meals:
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
The Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS
For Temporary Disability Assistance: 1-800-342-3009
For Transportation: (518) 485-8621
For Utilities: 1-800-342-3377 (7:30am - 7:30pm)