Individual Assistance Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION

Individual Assistance Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Individual Assistance (IA) Individual Assistance programs provide assistance to individuals, families and business owners in declared disaster areas whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. The assistance may be in the form of loans, grants, temporary housing, tax relief, legal services, crisis counseling or unemployment assistance. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Registering for Assistance Call toll-free: 800 -621 -FEMA (3362) Register online: www. fema. gov/assistance Smart Phone: m. fema. gov Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

What happens next? • Inspector will call to make appointment • There is NO fee • Applicant should be prepared to show inspectors where the damage occurred. • Verify ownership and inspect damage Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

What happens next? • If eligible, receive funds for housing needs through direct deposit or by check in mail • Packet will arrive in mail • If SBA application is in packet, it MUST be completed and returned to be eligible for further assistance • We will discuss SBA more fully later in the presentation For more information about US Small Business Administration (SBA) visit http: //www. sba. gov/disaster Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Joint Field Office (JFO) Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Harris County. Mobile DRCs make it easier for rural residents to register for assistance. (Jacinto, TX) • A DRC is a facility established jointly by FEMA and the State. • Representatives from federal, state, local agencies, and voluntary organizations provide information to individuals, families, and businesses needing disaster assistance. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

What type of facility do we look for? • Locations convenient to damaged areas • At least 6, 000 sq feet • Adequate parking, restrooms, ADA compliant • Schools, churches, community centers Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Why are DRCs important? • Opens within 3 days of declaration • Convenient for applicants • Check on status of application • Crisis Counseling on premises • Personal attention • Remain open as long as needed Emotional support is given to a Hurricane Ike evacuee at a Disaster Recovery Center. (Houston, TX) Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Individual Assistance (IA) Programs Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Individual Assistance (IA) • Individuals & Household Program (IHP) • Housing Assistance (HA) • Other Needs Assistance (ONA) • Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans • Emergency Services Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Individual Assistance (IA) cont. • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) • Tax Assistance • Insurance Services • Legal Services • Social Security • Veterans Services Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Individual Assistance (IA) cont. • Food Stamp Program • Consumer Services • Aging Services • Crisis Counseling Program • The HOME Program Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Housing Assistance (HA) (Maximum for 2012 is $31, 400) Provided as financial assistance or direct housing assistance and is 100% Federally funded (FEMA) Temporary Housing Home Repairs Home Replacement Assistance Housing Construction (remote areas) Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Temporary Housing Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Rapid Temporary Roofing & Repairs Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER) Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) Disaster Case Management (DCM) Rental Assistance (RA) Temporary Housing Unit (THU) Program Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Repairs FEMA may provide home repair funds to homeowners whose uninsured/underinsured primary residence requires habitability repairs. Program intent is to restore dwelling to safe, sanitary, and functional condition. The FEMA contract inspector will assess overall habitability based on damages to essential construction components and/or the safety/sanitary conditions of the dwelling. Eligible applicants may receive home repair assistance up to the IHP maximum of $31, 400 (FY 12). . Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Repairs State must monitor and police efficacy and integrity of contractors providing construction and repair services This includes public announcements and advisories to ensure disaster survivors are not further victimized by unscrupulous contractors. Voluntary agencies have a tremendous capability to assist with the cleanup, repair and rebuilding of homes. The local officials must ensure permitting and code compliance. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Replacement If the FEMA contract inspector determines the homeowner’s uninsured/underinsured primary residence is destroyed, they will receive the maximum IHP award of $31, 400 (FY 12). A home is generally determined to be destroyed if all phases of construction are compromised and the home is deemed not repairable. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) Individuals & Households Program For necessary expenses and serious needs not met by insurance, loans or other forms of assistance $31, 400 combined grant maximum for Other Needs (ONA) and Housing Assistance (HA) ONA Funding: 75% FEMA / 25% State Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Other Needs Eligible Items Personal Property d n a , l ta ses n e en d , l p a x c di ral e e M une f Transportation Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses that were affected by the disaster • Home - Up to $ 200, 000 • Personal Property - Up to $ 40, 000 • Business - Up to $ 2. 0 million Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Businesses (EIDL) Loans are available, to eligible small businesses and small non-farming agricultural cooperatives, for working capital to assist them through the disaster recovery period. A business need not have sustained physical loss as a result of the disaster. Loans are available only if the business or its owners cannot obtain this type of assistance from nongovernment sources. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

EIDL continued • EIDL loans are also available following an USDA Secretarial disaster declaration in both primary and contiguous counties • The SBA determines the interest rate based upon the individual applicant’s ability to recover from the disaster damages with their own resources or their ability to borrow through non-government sources. • Loan terms may extend up to thirty years and are determined by the applicant’s ability to repay the loan. • For more information, contact the SBA at 1 -800 -3666303, 1 -800 -659 -2955 or TDD 1 -817 -267 -4688. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

EMERGENCY SERVICES • Voluntary organizations (e. g. the ARC, TSA, and Mennonite Disaster Services) and local private sources, provide disaster survivors with assistance to meet their emergency needs • Whether declared or not, you may contact the State Voluntary Agency Liaison at 512 -424 -2588, to receive additional resource contacts Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

EMERGENCY SERVICES (continued) Such assistance may include, but is not limited to providing: • Immediate food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, and such items as dentures, prescription medicines, eyeglasses, artificial limbs, etc. • Financial assistance for emergency home repair or replacement of essential household items. • Skilled and unskilled labor for debris removal and/or home repair and rehabilitation. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE • An individual is eligible for up to 26 weeks (from the date of declaration) of benefits, or until the individual becomes reemployed, whichever comes first. • The individual usually must have been employed for a minimum of one week to become eligible for benefit payments. • All entitlements to state unemployment insurance must be exhausted before the individual is eligible for DUA. • Must file claim within 30 days of disaster declaration Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

TAX ASSISTANCE • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides counseling and assistance in the form of income tax refunds to disaster survivors who filed income tax returns during the year of the disaster, by amendment to the previous year’s return or by providing copies of previous years returns. • Uninsured losses are deductible only to the extent they exceed 10 percent of the adjusted gross income. Also, county assessors may provide information of possible property tax relief. • For more information, contact the IRS at 1 -800 -829 -1040 and your county tax assessor. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

INSURANCE SERVICES • Insurance information and assistance can be provided by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the NFIP. • Such assistance includes counseling on insurance problems, answering insurance questions as well as help with filing claims, settling claims, and securing flood insurance. • For more information, contact the TDI at 1 -800 -252 -3439 or the National Flood Insurance Office at 1 -800 -6386620 ext. 407. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

LEGAL SERVICES • Free legal counseling is usually provided by the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the American Bar Association to lowincome persons for disaster-related issues. • Assistance may include replacing legal documents, transferring titles, addressing contract problems, will probates, and insurance matters, etc. ‘ • Other attorneys may also be available to provide this service. For more information, contact the State Bar Association at 1 -888 -9996. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

SOCIAL SECURITY • The Social Security Administration assists annuitants in making address changes to expedite check delivery and Social Security insurance payments and in applying for disability, death and survivor benefits. • For more information, contact the Social Security Administration at 1 -800 -772 -1213. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

VETERANS SERVICES • The Veterans Administration (VA) representatives will record any necessary changes or assist with VA death benefits, pensions, insurance settlements, and adjustments to VA-insured home mortgages. • For more information, contact the Veterans Administration at 1 -800 -827 -1000. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

FOOD STAMP PROGRAM • Special Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly food stamps) may be issued by the Texas Health & Human Service Commission (HHSC). • This 30 -day increment of food stamps is only administered when the ongoing food stamp program is unable to expeditiously handle the number of potentially eligible households who are affected by the disaster and are in need of emergency food assistance. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

CONSUMER SERVICES • The State Attorney General’s Office provides counseling on consumer related problems, such as non-availability of products and services needed for reconstruction, price gouging, and disreputable business concerns and practices. • This service may involve coordination with insurance and/other consumer protection organizations. For more information, contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1 -800 -337 -3928. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

AGING SERVICES • Area Offices on Aging can provide transportation for the elderly to and from the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) as well as information to the elderly population about applying for the various types of assistance. • For more information, contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services at 1 -800 -582 -5233. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Crisis Counseling Program. Disaster Behavioral Health Services(DBHS) Available to anyone in the designated disaster area, including first responders. Offers two types of Services: 1. Immediate Services (up to 60 days) 2. Regular Services (may extend for 9 months from the date of program application approval) 100% FEMA Funded / State Administered: Administered by the Department of State Health Services Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Crisis Counseling • Provides short term interventions to individuals, groups and emergency services personnel • Assistance is for those experiencing psychological reactions to large-scale disasters Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Crisis Counseling • Funding is made available through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Assistance and Emergency Relief Act (P. L. 93 -288 as amended) following federally declared disasters STAFFORD ACT � Authorizes Federal Assistance to supplement the efforts of State and local governments. � 44 Code of Federal Regulations Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Crisis Counseling IMMEDIATE SERVICES PROGRAM REGULAR SERVICES PROGRAM • State’s application due 14 days after disaster declaration • State’s application due 60 days after disaster declaration • 60 -day program from date of federal disaster declaration • Allows state and local providers to assess need for Regular Services Program • 9 -month program • Allows for the formation of dedicated teams to deliver Crisis Counseling services Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Crisis Counseling Department of State Health Services Disaster Behavioral Health Services Chance Freeman Branch Manager (512) 206 -5516 Chance. Freeman@dshs. state. tx. us 909 W. 45 th Street Austin, TX 78751 -2008 Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) HOME Program’s “Owner Occupied Program” Provides: Housing rehabilitation, reconstruction, new housing and rental assistance Assistance: $500, 000 grants available to counties Eligibility: Assistance is for individuals, but requires city or county sponsorship and the city or county must not be a participating jurisdiction with HUD. Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) HOME Program’s “Owner Occupied Program” Specifics: Must benefit low-income homeowners (Households earning 80% or less of the area median family income, as determined by HUD) Does not reimburse individuals for repairs already made to their homes if an award is granted Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Sandy Garcia HOME Single Family Program Administrator Office: (512) 475 -1391 Fax: (512) 475 -4798 Sandy. Garcia@tdhca. state. tx. us Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (CSBG) Five-percent of CSBG funds, referred to as State Discretionary Funds, are utilized by the State to provide disaster relief to areas of the State impacted by natural or man-made disasters Emergency needs (clothing, food, temporary shelter) Community Action Agencies, PNPs, Units of Local Governments & Regional Councils can apply yearly Maximum $30, 000 Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Individual Assistance Cycle Insurance Initial Response: Friends, neighbors, the local community, and Voluntary Organizations State and Federal Disaster Assistance Programs FEMA Housing Assistance Unmet Needs: friends, neighbors, the local community, and Voluntary Organizations Other Needs Assistance Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Home & Business Loans

Report Fraud • Make sure disaster aid goes to those who deserve it • If you suspect someone has filed a false damage claim • It is a violation of Federal law to file a false claim • Call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1 -800 -323 -8603 Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Discussion: Do you have any questions about Individual Assistance and disaster recovery? Texas Department of Public Safety DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT