Fire victims can receive assistance from the federal government. How to apply for FEMA and avoid potential scams
As wildfires continue to destroy homes across Los Angeles County, thousands of residents are left to sift through the remains and answer one key question: What now?
The opportunity to rebuild, to start over, is possible. Homeowners and renters who do not have insurance or whose insurance policies do not cover basic needs may be eligible for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
President Biden approved federal funds to assist fire victims within the county. major disaster declaration last week. The agency is willing to help break down the application process and screen for fraudulent activity.
How does FEMA work?
FEMA coordinates with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to provide assistance to individuals and businesses during natural disaster events.
The agency provides grants for temporary housing and home repairs and provides low-cost loans for uninsured property damage, according to a White House news release. Some forms of assistance Includes disaster relief, food, housing, insurance, living assistance, loans and mental health counseling.
FEMA's website allows individuals to search for specific assistance through filtering options.
What options are available for financial housing assistance?
According to reports, the Individual and Household Program (IHP) provides financial assistance to eligible residents with housing needs caused by disasters. FEMA. Options for financial housing assistance include:
- Rental assistance — Assistance with short-term housing rentals.
- Accommodation expense reimbursement — Reimbursement of emergency accommodation expenses for short-term stays.
- Home repair assistance — Provide funds to repair access to your home, such as a driveway, road or bridge.
- Home Replacement Assistance— Money to replace the primary home you own and live in.
How to apply for assistance?
To apply for assistance, please visit Disaster Assistance Network Then click “Apply Now.” The website will ask for your zip code or state, county and city. Once you enter this information, the disaster options will appear. Click the option that applies to you and select Next.
The next few pages will ask questions about your needs to determine possible assistance with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage to appliances, furniture, and vehicles. Individuals may be eligible for assistance with child care, medical care, housing, moving and funeral expenses.
Individuals who have suffered business losses, property damage, and financial losses may be eligible for assistance through: U.S. Small Business Administrationor Other institutions listed On FEMA's website.
After applying for aid, what are the next steps?
Once you apply for assistance, the request will be reviewed. one examine Disaster-related losses to your home and personal property may need to be verified.
Inspections may only be conducted in the presence of the homeowner, co-applicant or tenant. You can designate another person to meet with the FEMA inspector, but you must provide the agency with a written copy of the designation. If the home is not accessible, the individual can meet with the inspector at a neutral location.
Prior to an inspection, FEMA recommends that individuals do the following:
- If insured, file an insurance claim
- If it is safe to do so, start cleaning the house
- Take photos of the damage
- Make a list of losses
- Keep receipts to verify the cost of the fire
FEMA staff and inspectors may call multiple times over several days from unknown or restricted phone numbers. During your call with the inspector, take note of:
- Inspector name
- Call date
- Check date and time
- Inspector phone number
To verify the legitimacy of an inspector, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. to ask questions about the inspector or any documents they request. If FEMA is unable to contact you to verify your property damage, your application will not proceed.
What you need to know about the inspection process
Once an inspection is scheduled, applicants must have the following information ready:
- photo recognition
- one Proof of ownership or occupancy
- List of households living in the home at the time of the disaster
- List of all property damage caused by disasters
- Insurance policy and any other documents requested by the inspector
Documents proving ownership or occupancy can be uploaded with your online application. FEMA may accept a written self-declaration as a last resort for individuals who are unable to provide required documentation. The statement must include:
- Affected residential address
- The length of time you lived in the affected home as your primary residence before the President declared a disaster
- Your or your co-applicant’s name and signature
Written statement prompts can be found at FEMA website.
Beware of scams, possible GoFundMe scams
Applicants must beware of fraudulent activity that may occur during this disaster. Legitimate FEMA inspectors will always wear an official government badge to identify themselves. You can ask the person to show proof of their identity.
Inspectors will never:
- climb on the roof
- Enter the crawl space
- Request money, banking information
- Ask for your nine-digit registration number – this number is included in their records
The inspection process is free of charge.
To avoid fraudulent construction contractors, FEMA recommends that you use a licensed or verified local contractor who will detail the work performed and provide a written warranty. The agency recommends not paying more than half the cost of repairs upfront.
Potential scammers may try to use your name, home address, and Social Security number to apply for FEMA assistance. If you suspect someone is using your identity to apply for FEMA assistance, you should notify an inspector or call the FEMA hotline.
You can report possible FEMA fraud via email [email protected] Or call 866-223-0814.
Individuals affected by the fires who may have received donations through the GoFundMe page can May be disqualified from FEMA assistance. FEMA may not duplicate benefits received from other sources, the agency said.
“For example, if you received donations to clean up storm damage to your home, FEMA may not be able to provide you with financial assistance for home cleanup,” the agency says on its website. “We encourage all survivors regardless How to apply for assistance so we can review your specific case.”
Individuals may also be Vulnerable to GoFundMe scams. The online fundraising company advises donors and recipients to note the following:
- Verify that the website is securely encrypted— Look for the gray lock icon
- Be wary of suspicious emails and text messages – Donations will not be received this way
- Don’t share personal information – Avoid including your address, phone number or banking information in your fundraising description
- Confirm payee email address
GoFundMe allows individuals Report a fundraiser, Submit beneficiary request If you are owed money, or Submit a donation request If you wish to withdraw your donation.