Community Corner

How to Apply For Disaster Assistance

Did Hurricane Irene damage your home or business?

Did Hurricane Irene damage your home or business? You might be eligible for federal aid.

Here are five things you need to know about applying for aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

  1. You Need to Know the Definition of Disaster Assistance: According to FEMA's website: "Disaster assistance is money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. It is meant to help you with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore your damaged property to its condition before the disaster."
  2. You Need to Know What Info To Provide: FEMA wants your social security number; current and pre-disaster address; a phone number; insurance information; total household annual income; your bank routing and account number; and a description of your losses the disaster caused.
  3. You Need to Know If You Qualify: Your losses must have occurred in an area covered by a disaster declaration and you must file a claim with your insurance company if you have insurance.
  4. You Need to Need to Know Which Types of Assistance are Available: There's "housing needs" and "other than housing needs." Click here for more information on each type.
  5. You Need to Know How to Apply: Apply online at disasterassistance.gov, via smart phone at m.fema.gov or phone at 1 (800) 621-3362.

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