ALL AFFECTED BY SEPTEMBER GEORGIA FLOODS SHOULD CALL FEMA
Many more may qualify if they knew the facts.
ATLANTA – Thousands recovering from the September Georgia storms and flooding have been helped, but many more may be eligible for disaster assistance from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“Many people who had flood losses mistakenly believe they won’t qualify for any disaster assistance,” said GEMA Director Charley English. “We encourage them to apply. It only takes 20 minutes on the phone or online to register.”
FEMA disaster assistance helps fill the gaps in disaster recovery, even for those who get insurance payouts or other assistance. There are many reasons people don’t register for disaster assistance, but these are among the top five:
I have insurance.
You may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses, including damage to wells and septic systems. If you’re still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster, or for an insurance settlement, go ahead and apply for assistance. Ensure you do so by the FEMA filing deadline. Promptly make necessary repairs to make your house livable and be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work.
I make too much money to apply for FEMA assistance.
Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The kinds of help provided depend on the applicant’s circumstances and unmet needs. The aid is to help individuals and communities come back as quickly as possible from a disaster.
I didn’t sustain enough damage.
The damage caused by a flood – and the costs associated with repairs or rebuilding – may not be apparent for several weeks. By registering with FEMA now, you may be covered for those damages that are discovered later.
There may not be enough money for everyone and others need the money more than I do.
There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant.
I don’t want a cut in my other benefits.
Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
“The important thing is to register,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. “That one step may unlock grants, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and any other state or federal aid. And registering is as easy as picking up the telephone or going online.”
Anyone in the designated counties can register for disaster assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585) or going online to www.disasterassistance.gov.
The 17 counties under the disaster declaration for Individual Assistance are Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker.
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