News
Norwalk residents may soon be eligible for federal disaster aid
By City of Norwalk
Apr 19, 2007 - 11:35:09 AM

Governor M. Jodi Rell has asked that the State of Connecticut be declared a major disaster area as a result of the April 15, 2007 Nor’easter. “This would make Norwalk and its residents eligible for federal assistance,” states Mayor Richard Moccia.
The process is as follows:

Step 1. Upon FEMA’s recommendation and President Bush’s approval, federal aid may be available to Norwalk and its residents. Under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), residents can apply for funds and services for critical expenses relating to their property that has been damaged or destroyed and is not covered by insurance. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans [which must be repaid] may also be available for assisting with storm recovery.

Step 2. Residents should contact their insurance agent to file a claim. Failure to file a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for help under IHP. You have up to twelve months from the date you registered with FEMA to submit your insurance information for review.

Step 3. If Norwalk receives the designation, you can apply for IHP assistance online or by phone. Apply online by visiting www.fema.gov and clicking on the “Online Individual Assistance Center.” If calling on the phone, use: 1(800) 621-FEMA (3362). For Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY call 1-(800) 462-7585. Information you will need to provide:

• Your Social Security Number
• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster
• Insurance information
• Directions to your damaged property
• A telephone number where you can be contacted.

You will be provided with a FEMA application number which will be needed for all further communication regarding your claim.

Step 4. About ten days after you have applied for assistance, an inspection of your property may occur. You must be present for your scheduled appointment. Inspectors are contractors, not FEMA employees, but your inspector will have FEMA identification. At this inspection you must have:

• Proof of ownership (your deed, tax records, mortgage payment book, or a copy of your dwelling’s insurance policy for the address, showing you as the owner)
• Proof of occupancy (your driver’s license address, any first-class government mail sent to you within the last three months at that address, or recent utility bills in your name at that address)

You can begin cleaning up your home before the FEMA inspection, but you should take photos of the damage before you begin this process. Remember to keep receipts for all of your expenses. For information about Flood Insurance, call The National Flood Insurance Program at 1- (800) 427-4661.

About ten days after the inspector’s visit you will receive a letter from IHP informing you of the decision regarding your request for assistance. If you are granted assistance, this letter will be followed by a U.S. Treasury/State check or a transfer of cash to your bank account. You could also be referred to the Small Business Administration for an SBA loan application. If you are denied IHP assistance, you can appeal the decision and the letter denying your loan will give you information regarding this process. Make sure you retain your FEMA registration number and Disaster Number when communicating with FEMA regarding an appeal.

IHP assistance can be used for Housing and Other than Housing Needs. IHP only covers repair or replacement of items that are damaged as a direct result of the disaster that are not covered by insurance. Repairs or rebuilding may not improve your home above its pre-disaster condition unless such improvements are required by current building codes. IHP will not pay to return or replace your personal property to its condition before the disaster. Some non-housing needs that can be funded with IHP assistance include: disaster-related medical and dental costs; disaster-related funeral and burial costs; clothing; household items, fuels for primary heat source, clean-up items; moving and storage expenses related to the disaster. Check this website for all expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA: www.fema.gov. IHP funds are usually limited for a time up to 18 months from the date the President declares the disaster; do not have to be paid back; are tax-free; are not counted as income, are exempt from garnishment; may not be reassigned or transferred to another person. You must keep receipts or bills for three years to demonstrate how all of the money was used in meeting your disaster-related need.

For more detailed information about federal assistance for disaster recovery read: FEMA. Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program, Washington, D.C., August 2005. Access online at: www.fema.gov/about/process. Phone: 1-800-621-3362. Please continue to check this website for information related to the April 15, 2007 storm.

This information will also appear on the City’s website: www.norwalkct.org.

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