We recently received an email from Congressman Gus Bilirakis (Florida) containing a lot of useful information for disaster victims. Unfortunately, the one thing he left out was the Casualty Loss Program, but the rest of the information was quite useful, so we thought we'd reproduce it here (adding in the Casualty Loss program, of course! Our comments in addition to the original message are in blue. Thanks again to Rep Bilirakis for this information!). Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by Hurricane Helene, and just a note that we are always there to help you!
FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
FEMA is the primary federal agency tasked with helping individuals, businesses, and public entities recover after a disaster. All individuals who are impacted by a storm should apply for FEMA assistance. Please call 1-800-621-3362, or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov to apply.
Overview
Types of FEMA Assistance Available: FEMA is offering a wide variety of help to people affected by the recent hurricanes. Every homeowner and renter who suffered damage is encouraged to apply. Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid and may include:
Serious Needs Assistance: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
Displacement Assistance: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit.
Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.
Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.
Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, medical equipment and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or child care expenses caused by the disaster.
Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.
Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.
Please have the following information available when you apply:
• A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back;
• Address of the damaged property;
• Social Security number;
• Bank account information (or direct deposit information);
• Insurance information (if you have insurance);
• Brief description of damages;
• Current mailing address; and
• Pen and paper to write down your registration number.
NOTE: Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. FEMA will not pay for your insurance deductible. That being said, you should also investigate the Federal Casualty Loss Program (see below)
TAX RELIEF & IRS ASSISTANCE:
The Internal Revenue Service may provide tax relief to individual and business taxpayers impacted by disasters and living in the areas designated by FEMA under the Federal Disaster Declaration. Tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by the disasters and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, certain deadlines are extended to allow additional time to file. This includes taxpayers who had a valid extension to file their return that was due to run out. It can also include the quarterly estimated income tax payments and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally extended. It also includes tax-exempt organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis and had an automatic extension due to run out extended. In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due can be extended. If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late filing or late payment penalties that would otherwise apply. Penalties or interest will be abated only for taxpayers who have an original or extended filing, payment, or deposit due date, including an extended filing or payment due date, that falls within the postponement period. The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies automatic for filing and payment relief, but affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area must call the IRS disaster hotline at 1-866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.
FEDERAL CASUALTY LOSS PROGRAM:
This program provides financial relief to tax-payers who have suffered significant property damage or loss due to the hurricane. By allowing residents to claim deductions on their federal tax returns for the value of their uninsured losses, the program helps to alleviate some of the financial burden caused by the disaster. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may not have had sufficient insurance coverage or who are facing substantial repair and replacement costs. Additionally, the program can expedite the recovery process by providing much-needed funds to rebuild homes and replace essential belongings, helping residents to restore a sense of normalcy more quickly. You can learn more about this at https://disaster-relief.us
FEMA ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS:
FEMA also may determine that you qualify for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. The IHP and ONA programs provide financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs through other means such as insurance or loans. With respect to any single emergency or major disaster, the maximum grant amount is $42,500 for housing assistance and $42,500 for other needs assistance (the amount is adjusted each year on October 1st). Please Note: Though the maximum available grant in each category is up to $42,500, it would only be available if insurance and loan options were first exhausted. Few applicants qualify for the full amount.
Household Composition: People living together in one residence before the disaster are expected to continue to live together after the disaster. Generally, assistance is provided to the pre-disaster household as a unit. If the assistance provided to the household is not shared with you, or if the new residence is too small or causes you undue hardship, you may request assistance to separate from your pre-disaster household.
Type of Assistance: Generally, no more than one type of IHP assistance may be provided to the household. Only FEMA - in conjunction with the State of Florida - has the authority to determine which type of assistance is most appropriate for the household and the period of assistance to be covered.
Proper Use of Assistance: All financial assistance provided by FEMA should be used as specified in writing: to rent another place to live, to make the home repairs identified by FEMA, to prevent eviction or foreclosure, or to replace or repair personal property. Failure to use the money as specified may make you ineligible for additional assistance. All money provided by FEMA is taxfree.
Documentation: It is your responsibility to provide all documentation necessary for FEMA to evaluate your eligibility. You may need to provide proof of occupancy, ownership, income loss, and/or information concerning your housing situation prior to the disaster. You should keep all receipts and records for any housing expenses incurred as a result of the disaster. This includes receipts for repair supplies, labor, and rent payments. Insurance: If you have insurance, any assistance provided by FEMA should be considered an advance and must be repaid to FEMA when you receive your insurance settlement payment. If your settlement is less than FEMA's estimated cost to make your home habitable, you may qualify for funds to supplement your insurance settlement, but only for repairs relating to the home's habitability. FEMA does not provide replacement or assistance with non-essential items.
FAQs REGARDING FEMA ASSISTANCE
Do I have to register with FEMA to get help? Yes, with very few exceptions, if you want federal assistance, you must register with FEMA.
What is the difference between FEMA and the SBA? FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters. The Small Business Administration (SBA), on the other hand, is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster/damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1- 800-877-8339).
What happens after I register? You will receive a call from a FEMA housing inspector. On site inspections are an important early step in helping to speed aid to homeowners and renters suffering flood damage. All inspectors carry photo identification and will have the FEMA registration number assigned to the person whose home is being inspected. Only an official FEMA inspector will have the number that was provided during registration. The FEMA inspection is free so beware of individuals attempting to charge for inspections or remodeling contractors claiming to be FEMA approved. FEMA does not endorse construction firms. When a FEMA inspector calls for an appointment, registrants should provide a clear, accurate description of the damaged property and current contact information. You do not have to wait for the inspector to arrive before beginning repairs. Photos, contractor estimates, and receipts can be provided to FEMA inspectors to document the extent of the damage. The inspection generally takes 30 - 40 minutes. The inspector enters damage-related information into a handheld computer and sends data electronically to FEMA. The inspector does not determine whether a registrant is eligible for assistance or the amount of assistance an individual may receive. You may also receive a call from a representative of the SBA. An SBA loan application is included in the FEMA registration materials and is a key part of the registration process, but you are not required to take out an SBA loan. However, if you think you may need a loan, it is important to apply because it may open other opportunities for federal assistance. No appointment is necessary to meet with an SBA Customer Service Representative at a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan and you are not obligated to accept a loan that SBA approves. FEMA may also direct you to other federal organizations, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on a case by-case basis.
Appeal Rights: If you disagree with FEMA's determination of eligibility or the form of assistance provided, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of the date of your notification letter. Call 1-800-621-3362 immediately to alert FEMA of your appeal. Send your appeal letter to: Appeals Officer, FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782 7055.
Important Information for Businesses
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DISASTER LOANS
Whether you rent or own your own home, business, or farm located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Small Business Administration. Please note that the filing deadline for SBA might be different than the FEMA deadline. Make sure you pay attention to the deadlines.
• Apply by phone to SBA: 1-800-659-2955
• Apply online anytime at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
• E-mail: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
FAQs About SBA Disaster Loans
What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?
Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters are eligible for their personal property losses, including automobiles
Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible as are non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, and private universities.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Loans for working capital to assist small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives through the disaster recovery period. EIDL assistance is only available to applicants and their owners who cannot provide for their own recovery from nongovernment sources. Farmers, ranchers, nurseries, religious and non-profit organizations are not eligible for an EIDL.
How do I begin the loan application process?
Homeowners and Renters: Submit a completed loan application and a signed and dated IRS form 4506-C permitting the IRS to provide SBA with your tax return information. Businesses in addition to the application and the IRS Form 4506-C will also need current information such as a personal financial statement, a schedule of liabilities, and a copy of your most recently filed Federal income tax return. Additional information may be required depending on individual circumstances.
I have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and was referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). I don't have a small business, so why do I need to apply to SBA?
For disaster damage to private property that is not fully covered by insurance, the basic form of Federal disaster assistance is an SBA disaster loan. SBA is the primary source of Federal money for long-term disaster recovery. Non-farm businesses (including rental properties) of all sizes as well as homeowners, and renters, whose property was damaged as a result of a declared disaster, should apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan.
I have already received money from FEMA. Does that mean I still need to apply to SBA for a disaster loan?
If your home was destroyed or was not habitable, you may have received money to pay for temporary accommodations elsewhere. If your home was not livable, you may have received money to pay for essential repairs so you could stay there. In both cases, FEMA funds were not intended to pay for all the costs of repairing your damaged home, or for replacing your personal property. SBA disaster loans are available to cover the amount of your repair costs that have not already been fully compensated.
I don't think I can afford a loan. Why should I apply?
If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, SBA will automatically refer you to FEMA's Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. The FEMA program is a safety net available only to individuals and families and is not available to businesses. It is intended to help meet essential needs not met by any other form of assistance, including SBA disaster loans. Please note that if you were referred to SBA for assistance and do not complete the SBA loan application you cannot be referred to FEMA even if SBA were to determine you cannot qualify for a loan.
Should I wait for my insurance settlement before I file my loan application?
No. Do not miss the filing deadline by waiting for an insurance settlement. SBA can approve a loan for the total eligible losses within the administrative guidelines and later adjust the loan eligibility or balance if insurance funds are received.
How much can I borrow?
The amount SBA will lend depends on the cost of repairing or replacing your business and business contents or home and personal property, minus any insurance settlements or grants. SBA may send an inspector to estimate the cost of your damage once you have submitted your loan application. Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their disaster-damaged residence. Businesses of all sizes may apply for a Physical Disaster Loan and small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private non profit organizations may be eligible for economic injury. These loans could not exceed $2 million to repair or replace damaged property or economic injury. SBA can also lend additional funds up to 20 percent of the verified losses to help make improvements to the property (both real and contents) that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future (mitigation). What is the interest rate and how long do I have to pay off this loan?
The interest rate on these loans is determined by law. SBA assigns an interest rate to a loan based on the resources available to an applicant. The lower interest rate will not exceed 4 percent and the interest rate associated with the current market rate will not exceed 8 percent. The rates are fixed for the term of the loan. Is collateral required for these loans? Loans that exceed $25,000 must be secured to the extent possible. SBA will not decline a loan if you don't have enough collateral but will ask for whatever collateral is available which may include real estate owned by a business' principals. We may also take a lien on the damaged residential property.
What Restrictions are there on Loan Eligibility?
Uninsured Losses: Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are eligible. Any insurance proceeds which are required to be applied against outstanding mortgages are not available to fund disaster repairs and do not reduce loan eligibility. However, any insurance proceeds voluntarily applied to any outstanding mortgages reduce loan eligibility.
Ineligible Property: Secondary homes, personal pleasure boats, recreational vehicles, and similar property are not eligible unless used for business purposes. Property such as antiques and collections are eligible only to the extent of their functional value.
Noncompliance: Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans are not eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain the flood and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA or federally insured loans.
Is There Help Available for Refinancing?
SBA can refinance all or part of prior mortgages that are evidenced by a recorded lien when the applicant (1) does not have credit available elsewhere, (2) has suffered substantial uncompensated disaster damage, which is defined as 40 percent or more of the value of the property, and (3) intends to repair the damage. Homes: Homeowners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing liens or mortgages on homes, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for real estate repair or replacement.
Businesses: Business owners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing mortgages or liens on real estate, machinery, and equipment, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for the repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, and equipment.
What if I Decide to Relocate?
You may use your SBA disaster loan to relocate. The amount of the relocation loan depends on whether you relocate voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are interested in relocation, an SBA representative can provide you with more details on your specific situation.
State Resources for Businesses
Florida Department of Commerce has activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925
Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates
Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan- The Florida Department of Commerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit the state's website.
BEWARE OF FRAUD & SCAMS
We've seen Floridians pull together every time we're faced with a difficult situation. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals hoping to profit from people's misfortune may attempt to pose as government officials and scam you for your personal information. FEMA recommends the following precautions:
• Federal workers do not solicit or accept money.
• Ask for an official laminated ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of identity.
• Safeguard personal information: Do not give personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers unless you initiate the call.
• Beware of people going door-to-door. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be scam artists, especially if they solicit financial information
• Price gauging is another area Floridians need to be aware of. State law prohibits an unconscionable increase in the price of essential commodities needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber, and equipment.
For more information, please call (866) 966-7226.
USDA ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS & SMALL BUSINESSES
Federal assistance may be available through one of the authorized disaster assistance programs under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Nutrition Assistance USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides food assistance to those in need in areas affected by a disaster. This federal assistance is in addition to that provided by state and local governments. For further information, I encourage you to visit their website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/ disaster/disaster assistance
USDA Foods for Disaster Assistance:
FNS may provide food to disaster relief agencies, shelters, and mass feeding sites. States may also release USDA foods to disaster relief agencies to distribute directly to households that need normal commercial food supply channels that are disrupted, damaged, destroyed, or unable to function.
D-SNAP:
Individuals who might not ordinarily qualify for SNAP may be eligible for D-SNAP if they had expenses related to protecting, repairing, or evacuating their homes (or if they have lost income as a result of the disaster). Additionally, individuals who are already participating in the regular SNAP program may be eligible for additional benefits under the D-SNAP. These Disaster benefits are provided like regular program benefits through an EBT card that can be used at authorized food retailers to buy food. The D-SNAP Program will be administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Additional Florida State Agency Assistance
Florida Division of Emergency Management:
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) coordinates the state emergency management program, which is intended to ensure the state and its local governments respond to and recover from disasters. For updates, please visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp You may also call the Florida Assistance Information Line (SAIL): 1-800-342-3557.
The state has established a Crisis Cleanup Hotline to help constituents with muck outs, tree removal, tarping, and debris. Constituents can visit crisiscleanup.org or call (844) 965-1386 for assistance.
Additionally, the State of Florida also announced that it is mobilizing hundreds of travel trailers for residents who had their homes damaged by the storm, so they can live comfortably on-site while renovations and repairs are underway. To apply for a travel trailer through the Florida Division of Emergency Management, call the HOPE LINE at 1-833-GET-HOPE.
Employees that have lost their job as a result of Hurricane Helene, can now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress during this challenging time, call the Florida Department of Health's Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) – providing 24/7 multilingual, crisis support service. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
• Other State Hurricane Resources – https://hopeflorida.com
Local Resources: Some of the most practical support after a natural disaster comes from local government entities. Each county is responsible for contracting with providers to arrange hurricane debris pick-up. You may wish to contact your local government to get more details on those arrangements.
Below are some useful contacts:
Pasco
Pasco County Emergency Management: 727-847-8137 or https://www.pascocountyfl.net/310/DisasterPreparedness Pasco Sheriff's Office: (727) 847-5878 or https://www.pascosheriff.com/ New Port Richey City Government - https://www.cityofnewportrichey.org/ Port Richey City Government- https://cityofportrichey.com/ Dade City Government- https://www.dadecityfl.com/ St. Leo Government - https://www.townofstleo.org/ San Antonio Government - https://www.sanantonioflorida.org/
Hernando
Hernando County Emergency Management: (352) 754-4083 or https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/ departments-a-elemergency management Hernando Sheriff's Office: (352) 754-6830 or https:/ /www.hernandosheriff.org/ Brooksville City Government: https://www.cityofbrooksville.us/
Citrus
Citrus County Emergency Management: (352) 746-6555 or https://www.sheriffcitrus.org/divisions/bureau of support operations/emergency_op erations.php Citrus County Sheriff's Office- 352-726-4488 or https://www.sheriffcitrus.org/ Inverness City Government: https://www.inverness-fl.gov/ Crystal River City Government: https://www.crystalriverfl.org/
