Homeowners May Apply For Disaster Aid

WINDSOR — Homeowners, renters, and business owners in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven and Windham Counties who were affected by flooding during mid-April storms can now apply for disaster aid by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) toll-free registration number at 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362). Those affected may also register for disaster assistance online at www.fema.gov.

Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process: current phone number; address at the time of the disaster and the address where caller is now staying; Social Security number, if available; general list of damage and losses suffered; good directions to the property that was damaged; if insured, insurance policy number, or the agent’s and company’s name; general financial information.

Individual and household assistance may include:

Temporary Housing — Homeowners and renters may receive rental assistance to help with housing costs while displaced from their own homes or apartments or while looking for new, permanent housing.

Repair — Homeowners may qualify for grants to repair disaster damage not covered by insurance. These funds are intended to make their homes safe and habitable, which will not necessarily return them to their predisaster condition.

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) — Applicants also may receive grants for serious disaster-related needs not met by insurance, volunteer agencies, or other sources. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage, and other eligible expenses.

Disaster Loans — The US Small Business Administration (SBA) makes low-interest disaster loans available to residents of the counties included in the disaster declaration. The SBA provides three types of disaster loans:

Home disaster loans to homeowners to repair or replace storm-damaged homes and, to renters and homeowners alike, to replace lost personal property

Business physical disaster loans to business owners to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including inventory and supplies and

Economic injury disaster loans that provide working capital to businesses and agricultural cooperatives to help them through the recovery period.