FEMA: Return wrongfully sent funds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency wants Soudelor survivors on Saipan to get all available assistance. However, they also want to make sure no one ends up having to return money.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provides grants to Saipan survivors. About $20 million has been approved to date.

Mistakes can lead to money being inappropriately paid to people in any disaster.

“When mistakes happen, no matter whether they’re made by the applicant or by FEMA, the law requires that FEMA recover that money,” said federal coordinating officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. “The last thing we want is for anyone to have to deal with that issue.”

Any survivors who received a FEMA grant and are now unsure of their eligibility should contact FEMA at 800-621-3362. People with speech or hearing disability and use 711 or Video Relay Service should call that number, while those who use TTY should call 800-462-7585.

Two weeks left to register

Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan have just two weeks left to register for help from FEMA.

The deadline is Monday, Oct. 5. The Disaster Recovery Center at the Pedro P Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe will remain open through the following Friday, Oct. 9.

“We want to make sure everyone who should get help does,” said DeBlasio. “That can’t happen for anyone who doesn’t register, so we really want to make sure everyone knows the deadline and to encourage them to register before it comes.”

Survivors are encouraged to apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. People with speech or hearing disabilities and use TTY should call 800-462-7585, and those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Even if an applicant turns out to be ineligible, an applicant specialist will discuss any unmet needs and refer the survivor to voluntary organizations that may be able to provide assistance.

Businesses as well as homeowners and renters who were impacted by Soudelor can also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration by going to the DRC in Susupe to ask about low-interest disaster loans.

After the DRC closes, SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center where applicants can meet face-to-face with SBA representatives, sign and close loans, and get answers to their SBA questions. SBA will announce the DLOC location soon. (FEMA)