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Disaster assistance letters will explain use of grants
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Posted on Oct 03 2004
CNMI residents who registered for disaster assistance after Supertyphoon Chaba will be receiving a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency providing guidance on their disaster relief grant; however, due to the large number of applicants from numerous disasters on the mainland, these letters may arrive after the corresponding checks for aid.
If you are a letter recipient, FEMA will tell you about ways the money can be spent in your recovery from the typhoon and the things that you should not spend the money on, such as car payments. It will also explain that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or any other assistance you receive.
If you have already received your disaster assistance grant check, but not the letter, and would like to speak with someone from FEMA about appropriate uses for the money, then you can go to your local Disaster Recovery Center.
You can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY—1-800-462-7585) for answers to your questions about federal assistance, the same number you called to register for aid.
Remember that disaster assistance is not expected to restore you to your pre-disaster condition. It is intended to help you get safe and sanitary housing and meet your other critical needs so that you can begin your long-term recovery.
If you are not satisfied with FEMA’s decision on your application, an appeal can be filed by visiting one of the Disaster Recovery Centers. Appeals must be filed with 60 days of the date of the FEMA letter.
File your insurance claim as soon as possible. Failure to file within 12 months can affect your eligibility for FEMA assistance. Call FEMA if your insurance settlement is delayed, if it does not cover your loss or if your additional living expense benefit is exhausted.
If your check comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration, it will be in the form of a low-interest loan for home repair, material losses or economic injury due to the disaster.
