Guidance for FEMA Assistance
If you are ready to register/apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, you may call the FEMA Hotline number, 800-621-3362. You can also visit one of the two NW Iowa Disaster Recovery Centers located in Rock Valley or Spencer.
If you decide to go to the Disaster Recovery Center, please make sure to have your damage documentation with you including: ID, social security number, address with zip code, condition of your damaged home or business, basic list of your property damage, insurance policy information/statement, phone number where you can be contacted, an email address or physical address where you can get mail, photos of the damages, and bank account information for direct deposit of funds.
As of now, the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is August 23, 2024.
Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements for FEMA Assistance: To qualify for FEMA assistance: One member of your household must have a Social Security number and be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen. Or a be parent or guardian, including people who are undocumented, can apply on behalf of a minor child under age 18 who has a Social Security number and lives with them. The parent or guardian who applies on behalf of a minor child will NOT have to certify their own immigration status as long as there is someone in the household who is a citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
There are several Disaster Survivor Assistance teams in our area. The DSA Team members will have an ID with them. You may ask to see their ID to verify that they work for FEMA. This weekend, the DSA teams will be going around the Hartley area. The DSA teams can help you register for FEMA Individual Assistance. After you register for FEMA Individual Assistance you will receive a registration ID.
A FEMA inspector will be following up with you. FEMA housing inspectors are working in designated counties inspecting damages reported by people who have applied with FEMA for disaster assistance. Inspectors will call or text first to make an appointment. They will display official photo ID. If it is not visible, it is OK to ask to see it. This helps prevent fraud. Applicants without insurance may be contacted first. Insured applicants may be contacted for an inspection after they send FEMA a copy of the declarations page from their insurance policy or settlement information.
The FEMA inspector submits a report to a FEMA case worker to review to determine eligibility and assistance that may be provided.
Businesses may also register/apply for FEMA Individual Assistance due to damages that occurred on the June 21st / severe weather incident. I was informed that businesses will be referred to the Small Business Administration. There may be assistance available through the Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans after a disaster to help businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations and individual households. Representatives of businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations and individual households are welcome to visit a SBA Recovery Center at their location, Sioux County Centre Mall, 251 N. Main Ave. #212, Sioux Center, IA 51250. Hours are Monday ñ Friday 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday: 9 am ñ 1 pm. SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at Disaster Recovery Centers. Additional information is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
How to appeal a FEMA decision?
You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal your decision or award amount for that type of assistance. It is important to read the letter fully. You may call the FEMA hotline if you have any questions over the letter.
The American Red Cross has financial assistance available for people whose primary home was destroyed or is unlivable due to the recent storms. If you have questions about American Red Cross financial assistance or other services call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Please Note: FEMA is NOT offering to buy houses. If someone is offering to buy your house, they are not working for FEMA. Additionally, FEMA does NOT have approved contractors for home repairs, construction or debris removal.
Additional resource information may be found by going to www.obrienema.org
Thank you for your patience during this process.
We greatly appreciate the assistance that we are receiving in this area to help with recovery. Thank you to all of the agencies and organizations helping in the NW Iowa area!