DISASTER ASSISTANCE RECOVERY CENTER

 
Hurricane Ike
 

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FEMA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR FILING TO
JANUARY 10, 2009
 

FEMA Extends Texas Registration Deadline
AUSTIN, Texas -- At the request of the State of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that renters, homeowners and business owners who suffered damages from Hurricane Ike now have until January 10, 2009 to register for state and federal disaster assistance.

If you had damage or uninsured losses and have not yet registered, you can do so online at or by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing." Both numbers are available 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are also available.

FEMA:  http://www.fema.gov/

Apply for FEMA Assistance at Houston Public Libraries

Check for the library nearest you at http://www.hcpl.net/index.htm

TOP FIVE REASONS FOR FEMA INELIGIBILITY FOR HOUSING

There are several reasons an applicant is found ineligible for housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The top five reasons are:

  1. Insufficient damage (the inspection showed your home to be safe, sanitary, and functional and you are able to live there.

  2. Applicant covered by insurance (You had an insurance policy that covered damage to your home).

  3. Applicant does not want to relocate (In your application you said you did not want to move while your damaged home was being repaired.  This made you ineligible for FEMA rental assistance.  You may still be eligible for home repair or personal property replacement grants).

  4. Applicant could not be contacted for inspection (FEMA has tried to reach you numerous times and the FEMA inspector has not been able to schedule an appointment with you).

  5. FEMA could not verify applicant's identity (FEMA is unable to match your name and social security number in order to verify your identity). 

If you disagree with FEMA finding you ineligible, you have the right to appeal the decision.  You may get third-party documentation in writing that states the home is uninhabitable such as bid for repairs, condemnation notice, etc.  Send an appeal letter to FEMA asking for reconsideration.  This must be done within 60 days of the date on the ineligibility letter.  Mail or fax the appeal letter and documentation.  FEMA reviews all appeals and usually makes a decision within 30 days of receiving a request.

If your insurance does not cover all the damages or you have not received your settlement yet, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 if your insurance settlement is delayed longer than 30 days - FEMA may grant you an advance that must be repaid.  Also call if your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related needs or if you have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provided by your insurance company. 

Remember to keep your information and application status up to date.  Simply call the FEMA Helpline or visit the FEMA Web site.  You can also visit any disaster recovery center for face-to-face assistance from federal and state disaster recovery officials. 

FEMA Helpline and Web Site
1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or
TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing-impaired
www.FEMA.gov

MAILING ADDRESS
FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center
P. O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Fax Number
1-800-827-8112

SBA is Seeking Return of Applications for Assistance

If you have received your packet from SBA, please do not ignore it.  Remember, completing the forms is a key step in the recovery process as it may determine your eligibility for other assistance. 

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are for homeowners and renters, not just businesses.  SBA has approved nearly $270 million in loans to individuals affected by Hurricane Ike.  Another $35 million has been approved for business owners. 

FEMA urges renters, homeowners, and business owners to complete and return their SBA loans applications.  Although a completed SBA loan application is not required to receive FEMA housing assistance, it is a key step in the recovery process, as it may determine your eligibility for other types of disaster assistance, including FEMA grants.

The number for SBA is 1-800-659-2955

 

Free Property Assessment for Damages
 

Registered Architects have volunteered in cooperation with the American Institute of Architects and the City of Houston, to visit your property and survey damages resulting from Hurricane Ike.  You will receive a written report to help you negotiate with your insurance company and/or contractors.  They will complete damage assessment forms for houses and apartments, but the property owner must request this assistance. 

Call for an appointment:  (713) 226-7443 or (888) 388-1885

 

Insurance
 

Did Ike damage your property? Here are some things to keep in mind when filing your insurance claim:

• Report your claim immediately.

• Take pictures or video of all damage.

• Make minor repairs to prevent further damage, but save the major stuff for after an adjuster has a chance to check it out.

• Save all your receipts.

• If you had flooding, disconnect electronics and electrical appliances and move them to a dry place. Move damaged household items to a dry area.

• If you evacuated, call your agent and provide a number where you can be reached.

• If damage is extensive, be certain your property is identified with your address. Put a plywood sign with your address and the name of your insurance company in  front of the property. If you can't stay, leave a number where you can be reached.

• Ask for references and verify those references before picking a contractor.

• Don't throw damaged property away until an adjuster has looked at it. If you have to move it outside, go ahead. If you have to dispose of items, keep a swatch or other sample.

• Don't go home if authorities say it's not safe.

• Don't turn on the power right away if the area or your home is flooded. Have an electrician inspect your home first. You also should have your gas lines inspected (avoid open flames or candles until you do) and have the plumbing checked.

• Don't start a car that's been flooded. Hidden water could make this a dangerous move and further damage the vehicle.

• Dry out your car and other water-damaged items to prevent mold. Some insurers don't cover mold.

• Log conversations with your insurance company, adjuster and agent.

• If you hire a public insurance adjuster, make sure the adjuster is licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance.

• Don't accept or sign for a final settlement if you think you may be entitled to more.

• If you think the damage to your home was caused by the wind, rather than flooding, don't sign anything describing the damage as flood damage.

• If you experienced actual flooding and have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, file a claim through the agent who sold you the policy.

• If needed, complain to state regulators at 1-800-252-3439.

"Companies have 15 days to start investigating a claim after receiving notice," said Jerry Hagins, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Insurance.

But the company may ask for more information and has another 15 business days to accept or reject the claim once it receives the information, though there are some exceptions.

Claims Numbers

Allstate 1-800-54-Storm (1-800-547-8676)

AAA Texas 1-800-672-5246

Nationwide 1-800-421-3535

Farmers 1-800-HelpPoint (1-800-435-7764)

Farmers Spanish-speaking customers can call 1-877-RECLAMO (1-877-732-5266)

Foremost Insurance 1- 800-527-3907.

Bristol West Insurance 1- 800-274-7865.

Mercury Insurance 1-800-503-3724

State Farm 1-800 SF CLAIM (1-800-732-5246)

Travelers Insurance 1-800-238-6225

USAA:1-800-531-8722

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association 1-800-788-8247

Texas Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan 1-800-788-8247

The Texas Department of Insurance can also help you find the right contacts: 1-800-252-3439 or www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/storms/cpmdiscatlist.html

Got a complaint?

Who to call with an insurance complaint:

• Texas Department of Insurance: 800-252-3439

• Texas Watch: 1-888-738-4226 (Staffed M-F, 9 am to 5 pm CST)

• Texas Attorney General: 1-800-252-8011

 
Home Repairs
 

The Harris County Home Repair Program provides grants to low-income and elderly (62 years or older) households for 1) up to $10,000 for minor home repairs, or 2) up to $40,000 for Septic System and/or Water Well Repairs that have a current health and safety code violation citation(s).  Applicants must reside within the Harris County service area which includes the unincorporated areas of Harris County and the 15 cooperative cities which have signed agreements with Harris County for services.  Residents of the cities of Houston, Baytown and Pasadena are not eligible for assistance in this program. 

To apply for assistance, please call (713) 578-2059 or for additional information:  www.hrc.hctx.net

 
The City of Houston has a single family home repair program aimed at assisting homeowners to address only repairs needed to alleviate threats to health, life, and safety of homeowners, to improve curb appeal, uplift the general street appearance of selected neighborhoods, and to keep costs at a minimum. 

To apply for assistance, please call (713) 522-4663 or for additional information:  http://www.houstontx.gov/housing/singlefamily-rfp.html