FEMA Assistance 102 How to help Survivors From Puerto Rico with FEMA Assistance programs - PowerPoint Presentation

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FEMA Assistance 102

How to help Survivors From Puerto Rico with FEMA Assistance programs and the appeal process

Unit 2 January 03, 2018Slide2

How to Register with FEMA

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https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/113839This video describes the registration process online, by phone or in a service centerVisit www.FEMA.gov for more information

Select your language of choice for information

on the website

Also download FEMA’s free mobile app to

your smartphone in your language of choiceSlide3

Disasterassistance.gov

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/78264

This video describes (step-by-step) how an individual can apply online with screen shotsPeople may need help registering onlineApplicants may choose to receive FEMA letters and updates via email Always make sure the current mailing address and phone number are accurateApplying online gives the person the ability to update contact information as often as needed

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What to Expect

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The Tri-Fold for Help After a Disaster is in English and Spanish. The link for the main page as well as the Tri-fold link in both languages is below:https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/149518

This and other information is

available on

www.FEMA.govSlide5

How Will Survivors Find You?

How will people who need assistance find out about services in your area?

School enrollment?Healthcare options?Housing assistance?Employment assistance?Childcare or transportation options?

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211 or FEMA Helpline

An option you may consider is contacting 211 to create a “Puerto Rico support” list of services

Contact your FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) to add your agency’s information to the FEMA Helpline Contact agencies like the School Board, Social Services or other places people normally go for help and make sure they have your contact information and what services you provideContact your local Emergency Manager and provide this information to the County, Township or other appropriate government agencies6Slide7

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FEMA Assistance

May be provided financially or directly,

including:

Transitional

Sheltering Assistance

/Direct

lease

Multi-family

lease and

repair

Rental assistance

Home

repair

assistance

Personal

property

assistance

** TSA and rental assistance may be used outside the Declared stateSlide8

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Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Eligible survivors can find the list of TSA-approved hotels on www.femaevachotels.com Be sure to call the hotel first to check availability

Contact the hotel directly to ask if “Transitional Sheltering Assistance rooms are available.”

If rooms are available, survivors should go to the hotel or motel in person to book a room, and be sure to have their FEMA registration number and a valid photo ID

If a survivors has a disability or access or functional need, participating hotels are required to indicate the number of hotel rooms with “ADA accommodations.”Slide9

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Transitional Sheltering Assistance

The TSA program allows eligible disaster survivors to shelter in a hotel or motel, for a limited period of time, as a bridge to intermediate and longer-term temporary housing. TSA participating hotels are available both in Puerto Rico and for those survivors who are in the continental United StatesFEMA makes payments directly to participating hotels and motels for room rental and taxes up to the GSA rate.

Survivors are responsible for all other costs such as room service, laundry, parking,

p

et fees, telephone

or other services. Slide10

Third Party Inspections

FEMA has a modified third-party inspection process for 4339-PR to allow the applicant/co-applicant to verbally authorize a third-party agent to meet the inspector for the home inspection when the applicant, or another member of the household 18 years or older, is unable to meet inspector within a reasonable

timeframeProvide the name and phone number of the third party to the inspectorThird party must have the FEMA registration number of the applicant at the time of inspectionThird party should verify the inspectors ID10Slide11

Other Programs

SBA LoansHUD Housing assistanceUSDA assistance programsVA Assistance

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Are you a caseworker providing assistance?

FEMA Helpline 1.800.621.3362 can answer questions for the applicant. If the caseworker is present the applicant can give FEMA (onetime) permission to discuss their application status with the caseworker.

The applicant may chose to receive their FEMA information through Email. This will make decision letters easily shared with caseworkers.Written Consent from the applicant to FEMA will give the caseworker permission to discuss the case with FEMA at anytime. (see written consent guidance in the helpers guide)12Slide13

Information sharing

FEMA will not disclose applicant information without consent from the applicant.A Written Consent is an

agreement (from the applicant) allowing FEMA to share applicant information with someone other than the applicantA Written Consent (or Power of Attorney) is not necessary when an applicant calls Helpline and requests we speak to a third party on their behalf during the call. This is permission does not last beyond the time of the call. Written consent must include the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct”13Slide14

Routine Use Agreement

Groups such as Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC/LTRG) may request a “Routine Use” of information from FEMA that has information on all applicants within a state or locality.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) are trusted partners with FEMA and may also request a routine use agreement if the organization is assisting applicants and have “a need to know” to avoid duplication of benefits.The State often requests this information through routine use to evaluate the scope of applicants that may have unmet needs.14Slide15

FEMA Application Determinations

Caseworkers should request to see the FEMA determination letters to better understand the applicants current status. As discussed previously the applicant can chose to receive these correspondence via email for easy access and timely responses to requests for information from FEMA also known as an RFI (Request for information). Some case determinations require additional documentation before a decision is made for particular items such as medical, dental and/or childcare expenses. The RFI will outline what is required to make the determination. Doctors statement, receipts or other written documentation may be requested prior to receiving a determination on certain items.

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When to Appeal?

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After looking at the eligibility information provided on

www.FEMA.gov

and the applicants’ documents, if the applicant believes they may be eligible for assistance they have the right to appeal FEMA’s decision

The next slide explains the information needed on every appeal letter.

More information on appeals may also be found on

www.FEMA.govSlide17

What to include in the appeal Letter

When submitting your letter, please include your full name, FEMA registration

number on every page of the submission.The applicant must include date and place of birth, damaged dwelling address and the item or determination they are appealing.The letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” You must sign the letter. (Applicant)17Slide18

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FEMA Assistance Overview

The following slides are more detailed information on FEMA types of assistance included for your awareness

Please feel free to share this presentation with anyone who may be assisting evacuees from any of the Declared areas

Also be sure the visit

www.FEMA.gov

for more information

Fact sheet and FAQs provide answers to most common questions

*****Keep in mind some of the programs discussed in the next sections may only be available within the declared area******Slide19

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Disaster survivors may be eligible for resources or monetary assistance from FEMA for losses not covered by insurance

Only available in designated counties following a Presidentially-declared disaster

Only for critical expenses

Not intended to restore a property to pre-disaster condition

Assistance varies with each disaster event and is determined by FEMA’s Individual and Households Program based on:

The degree of damage

Available funds

Other existing assistance programs

FEMA Assistance OverviewSlide20

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Direct Lease

Vacant units are leased by FEMA and are used as temporary housing for disaster survivors.FEMA pays the rent for these units. Utility costs and other expenses not covered in the lease are the responsibility of the disaster survivor.

Property owners interested in participating in this program can call 1-202-705-9140 or email

FEMA-Lease-PR@fema.dhs.gov

.

FEMA will notify disaster survivors that they are eligible for FEMA-leased units as units become available. Housing AssistanceSlide21

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Multi-Family Lease and Repair

FEMA can make repairs to rental properties with vacant rental units through an agreement that allows FEMA to lease the vacant units once they are repaired. Vacant units are leased by FEMA and are used as temporary housing for disaster survivors. Property owners interested in participating in this program can call 1-202-705-9140 or email

FEMA-MLR-PR@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA will notify disaster survivors that they are eligible for FEMA-leased units as units become available.

Housing AssistanceSlide22

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Rental Assistance

Renters displaced by the storms may be eligible for temporary rental assistance from FEMA. FEMA will provide funds directly to survivors, who are then responsible for finding available rental resources of their choosing.FEMA will require documentation of receipts, and survivors must be able to demonstrate that they are working toward a more permanent housing option by repairing their home or by identifying some other long-term option.

Housing AssistanceSlide23

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Home Repair Assistance

Financial grant to help make minimal repairs to a primary residence, utilities, and residential structures, including privately-owned access routes (driveways, roads, or bridges) FEMA may provide financial assistance for the repair of real property components, including, but not limited to: Structural components of a home (foundation, exterior walls, roof)

Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry

Housing AssistanceSlide24

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Other Housing Assistance for

Puerto RicoU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development programsDepartment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) immediate foreclosure reliefFederal Housing Administration (FHS) mortgage insurance

Government of Puerto Rico’s Tu Hogar Renace (Your Home Reborn) effort

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Blue Roof ProgramSlide25

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Other Needs Assistance (ONA)

Assistance for uninsured or underinsured, disaster-related, necessary expenses and serious needs May include housing related expenses other than rent, such as:Repair or replacement of household appliances, furnishings and other personal property itemsRepair or replacement of uniforms, tools and equipment required for work or school

Disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses

Eligibility for some types of personal property are dependent on eligibility with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster loan programSlide26

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SBA-Dependent ONA

Personal Property AssistanceTo repair or replace essential household items including, furnishings and appliances, and specialized tools and protective clothing required by an employer.Transportation AssistanceTo repair or replace a vehicle damaged by a disaster and other transportation-related costs.

Moving and Storage Assistance

To relocate and store personal property to prevent further disaster damage, such as ongoing repairs, and returning the property to the primary residence.Slide27

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Non-SBA Dependent ONA

Medical and Dental AssistanceTo assist with medical or dental expenses caused by a disaster, which may include injury, illness, loss of prescribed medication and equipment, or insurance co-payments.Child Care AssistanceA one-time payment, covering up to eight cumulative weeks of child care expenses, for a household’s increased financial burden to care for children.

Miscellaneous or Other Items Assistance

To reimburse for eligible items purchased or rented after a disaster incident for an individual or household’s recovery.Slide28

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Low Interest Disaster Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to help homeowners and renters with personal property, transportation, and moving and storage expenses incurred due to a declared disaster.FEMA refers the applicant’s registration to SBA if the applicant’s income meets SBA minimum guidelines. Homeowners and renters who do not qualify for a disaster loan from the SBA may be eligible for additional assistance from FEMA for personal property, moving and storage, and transportation assistance. Slide29

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These general conditions must be met for an applicant to be eligible to receive FEMA Individual and Household Program Assistance:

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.FEMA must be able to verify the applicant's identity.The applicant’s insurance, or other forms of disaster assistance received, cannot meet their disaster-caused needs.The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs are a directly result of a declared disaster.

Who is Eligible for Assistance?Slide30

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If a survivor has insurance, they

do not need to file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA assistanceSurvivors are encouraged to contact their insurance company as soon as possible to start the insurance claim processWhen an insurance settlement is received, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss assistance optionsBy law, FEMA cannot give assistance for losses addressed by insurance coverage or other sources

Survivors don’t have to wait on FEMA to begin making home repairs

Survivors should document damage and save their receipts for both FEMA and insurance inspectors

What to Know Before ApplyingSlide31

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Registration intake is the process survivors take to register as a disaster survivor with your specific information into FEMA’s information systems database.

Survivors typically have a 60-day period to registerTakes approximately 20 minutes to completeThree ways to register:Over the phoneOnline

In person

The Registration ProcessSlide32

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Social Security number

Pre-disaster damaged addressCurrent mailing address Current telephone numberInsurance informationTotal household annual incomeDescription of losses caused by the disaster

Bank routing and account numbers (optional)

Information Needed to RegisterSlide33

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Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

If a survivor uses 711 or video relay service, they should still call 1-800-621-3362If a survivor is deaf, hard of hearing, or has a speech disability and uses a TTY, they should call 1-800-462-7585FEMA Standard Hours of Operation are:7:00AM – 10:00PM local time, 7 days a week

How to Complete a Registration- PhoneSlide34

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Visit

www.DisasterAssistance.gov Use a computer, tablet, or smart phone

How to Complete a Registration- OnlineSlide35

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Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)

Locate open DRCs on www.DisasterAssistance.gov or text DRC and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362) Specialists from FEMA, the Government of Puerto Rico and municipalities, other federal agencies, and other partners are there to provide services including:Guidance regarding disaster recovery

Clarification of any written correspondence

Housing assistance and rental resource information

Small Business Administration program information

How to Complete a Registration- In PersonSlide36

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Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams

DSA teams canvass affected neighborhoods after a disaster to help survivors register for assistanceTeam members carry official FEMA photo identificationTeams can provide referrals to community partnersPhiladelphia Disaster Assistance Services Center

For survivors in the Philadelphia area

Located at the Rivera Recreation Center on the corner of 5th and Allegheny streets

How to Complete a Registration- In PersonSlide37

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Financial assistance is paid to survivors by a U.S. Treasury check or through an electronic funds transfer into the recipient’s bank account.

If applicable, FEMA performs an inspection to verify disaster-related damage and then eligibility is determined.An inspector will contact you directly to schedule an appointmentInspectors will have FEMA photo identificationIf the registrant cannot be present for an inspection, another member of the household over the age of 18 may meet with the inspector

After RegistrationSlide38

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There are multiple ways for survivors to access their registration, upload documents, change contact information, and track actions of their account:

Opt into SMS text message notificationsThe official FEMA number is 43362Access their account onlinewww.DisasterAssistance.gov Call FEMA

1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Obtaining an Application Status UpdateSlide39

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Applicants, who disagree with FEMA’s determination of eligibility or the form of assistance provided, have the right to appeal within 60 days of the date on the award or denial letter from FEMA

For more information on appealing, contact the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-3362Applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY can call 1-800-462-7585 directlyThose using 711 or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362

Appealing FEMA’s DecisionSlide40

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Survivors are urged to verify the identity of individuals asking to register them for FEMA assistance. Individuals can protect themselves by:

Asking to see official identification badgesNever providing financial information over the phoneGetting a written contract for work performedTaking pictures of the contractor’s business card and his driver’s licenseIf you suspect anyone of fraud, call the FEMA disaster fraud hotline at 1-800-720-5721

FraudSlide41