Inspectors in the field to verify damages
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Release Number: 1858-008rev
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Inspectors contracted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are contacting Georgia disaster applicants who sustained damage from storms and flooding beginning Sept. 18.
These inspectors will have approved FEMA identification that includes their name and photo and the name of their company under contract with FEMA.
They will ask for information to verify your name and address and registration with FEMA. They will NOT ask for a Social Security number nor ask to be paid for the inspection.
Inspectors assess disaster-related damage for both real and personal property and may take photos of the interior and exterior of the damaged dwelling. Inspectors file damage reports, but they do not determine eligibility.
Here is what to expect:
Inspector's Call for Appointment. After an applicant with a housing or personal property need registers with FEMA - either online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) - a nine-digit registration number is assigned. An inspector will then call to schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property, generally within 7-10 days of registration.
Inspector's Visit. Keep the scheduled appointment to make sure the assistance process continues quickly. The inspector will verify request a photo ID and verify the applicant's name, address and FEMA registration number. The inspector will not ask for a Social Security number. There is no fee for the inspection.
The applicant - or someone who is 18 or older and lived in the household prior to the disaster - must be present for the scheduled appointment. Regarding real property, the inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) and occupancy only (for renters). Flood survivors can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents on hand:
After the Inspector's Visit: The applicant receives a letter from FEMA containing a decision within 14 days of the inspector's visit.
If the applicant is eligible for assistance, a letter is sent to the mailing address and a check or an electronic funds transfer may be issued. The letter explains what the money can be used for.
If the applicant is not eligible for assistance the letter will give the reason(s) for denial. Applicants will be informed of their right to appeal, and information on the appeal process.
If applicants are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), they will receive an SBA low-interest loan application in the mail. Applicants do not have to accept this loan option.
However, to be considered for some other forms of federal disaster assistance, applicants must complete and return the SBA paperwork.
The first step in applying for disaster assistance is to register with FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585. These toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Help is available in all languages. Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations can register online anytime.
Assistance to individuals may include grants to help pay for uninsured temporary housing needs, essential home repairs, other necessary disaster-related expenses and serious needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
This release has been modified from its original version.
Last Modified: Friday, 02-Oct-2009 14:15:14