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Use disaster assistance grants wisely—FEMA
Disaster assistance payments are bringing some much needed financial help to survivors affected by Typhoon Soudelor. But those payments come with some words of advice from Commonwealth and federal officials: Be cautious, use them wisely.
Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), whether by check or direct deposit from the U.S. Treasury, will be in the form of a grant to make either minimal temporary repairs on the damaged home or for rental assistance. The payment will be followed within a day or two by a letter explaining what the money is intended for. It is important that the payment be used only for the intended purpose.
Officials from FEMA offer the following tips to help CNMI residents to get the most out of their personal disaster recovery payment:
• If a check is received, deposit it as soon as possible.
• Don’t cash and carry large sums of money.
• Don’t deal with strangers offering check-cashing or deposit services.
• Use the money for the disaster-related assistance it is intended.
• Don’t be tempted to pay household bills.
• Don’t make purchases unrelated to needs created by the disaster.
• Don’t use the funds for travel.
• Select a repair company with caution. If a disaster assistance payment is for home repairs, it is only for those repairs that will make the house habitable. This includes fixing windows, doors, plumbing, ventilation, electrical systems and minor structural damage.
• Don’t arrange for repair work without a written statement of work to be completed.
• Don’t use a repair service without seeking a recommendation.
• Don’t pay the repair person up front.
A word of caution
These funds are intended to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs and regain a normal life. If the applicant spends the money on anything other than the purpose for which the payment is intended, no additional assistance may be granted if the need arises in the future. Federal grant recipients are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending and stay in touch with FEMA through the Helpline if their situation changes. The number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. (FEMA)
