Joint Information Center
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Joint Field Office
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        West Des Moines, IA

                            Disaster News

November 15, 2011
DR-1998-IA-MR-19
HSEMD: 515-725-3231
FEMA: 515-267-7963
SBA: 916-764-9916

West Des Moines, Ia. – After a disaster, those impacted may become eligible for federal and state help. Residents and business owners in Fremont,
Harrison, Mills, Monona and Pottawattamie counties, who suffered losses and damage in the wake of the 2011 Missouri River flooding, should register with
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to find out if they are eligible for disaster assistance.

To dispel misconceptions about the process, here are a few commonly asked questions and answers:

Q: I applied for disaster assistance from FEMA last year when there was a flood here. Do I need to apply again?

    A: Yes. Whether or not you have applied for assistance on a previous disaster, you must apply again. Each disaster is considered a separate incident
         when applying for aid.

    A: No. Assistance funds will not reduce or affect a recipient’s monthly Social Security or Disability benefit, or any other benefit payment you receive.

    A: Yes. Federal and state disaster assistance is not affected by programs offering emergency food, clothing, shelter, or other help after a disaster. The
         American Red Cross, churches and religious organizations, and voluntary agencies work side by side with FEMA and Iowa Homeland Security
         Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) to help those impacted to recover.

    A: No. Registering with the American Red Cross, or any faith-based organization or voluntary agency, is not the same as registering with FEMA.
         Regardless of all help received, disaster survivors in affected counties need to register with FEMA.

    A: Yes. There are sufficient disaster funds to assist every eligible applicant. Needs are assessed individually.

    A: No. FEMA and the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for an inspection.

    A: Yes. Sometimes damage related to a disaster is not immediately identifiable. You will only be eligible for disaster assistance later if you register with
         FEMA now.

    A: No. You should begin cleaning your home or business as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Remember to take photos and keep records of
         your clean-up efforts and expenses.

    A: Yes. You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean-up and repair expenses. Keep your receipts for disaster-related repairs and show them to
         the inspector.

Q: Do I have to be low-income to qualify for disaster aid? I think I make too much money.

    A: No. Federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to all who suffered damages. Aid is damage-based, not income-based. The kinds of
         help provided depend on an applicant’s circumstances and unmet needs.

    A: No. Qualified disaster relief payments are not taxable.

    A: It shouldn’t. Disaster assistance is for losses not covered by insurance. It is meant to help people with critical expenses not covered in other ways.
        But always monitor your credit report and dispute any negative impact related to the disaster.

    A: No. The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of any size, and private nonprofits. SBA sets loan amounts and
         terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Residents, businesses and private non-profits in the declared counties may apply for SBA low-
         interest loans to cover their uncompensated real and personal property losses.

    A: No. When a federal disaster is declared, the SBA becomes the primary source of financial assistance to disaster survivors. Homeowners, renters,
        businesses and non-profits may qualify for SBA low-interest loans to cover uninsured and under-insured physical and personal property losses. Small
        businesses may also be eligible for working capital loans.

    A: Yes. After a disaster, renters in declared counties may qualify for disaster assistance. SBA low-interest loans, and grants from sources other than the
         SBA, are available to replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Claims for vehicle damage should first be submitted to the
         insurance company.

    A: Possibly. Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by Iowa Workforce Development, provides weekly benefit payments
         to those who are out of work due to a disaster, and who are not covered by regular unemployment assistance. This program includes self-employed
         persons and others not normally covered under regular unemployment insurance programs. Claims will need to be filed by November 28, 2011.

        Call your local office for more information, or contact Iowa Workforce Development at (866) 239-0843 or http://www.iowaworkforce.org.

Q: How do I register with FEMA?

    A: FEMA offers several ways for a disaster survivor to register:

• Call FEMA’s toll-free Registration Helpline 1-800-621-FEMA (3362);
• Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 1-800-462-7585, or use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) to call
  1-800-621-3362;
• Lines are open from 7 a.m.–10 p.m., 7 days a week until December 19, 2011;
• Disaster survivors may also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by Smartphone at m.fema.gov;
• By visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

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