Search      Need Help with Your Search? Find Legal Help On Disaster Relief - Financial and Tax Help Related Resources Answers to Common Legal Questions after a Disaster By: State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division Fact Sheet about Small Business Administration Disaster Loans By: Small Business Administration Tax Relief in Disaster Situations (Separate Website) By: Internal Revenue Service more...

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER PERSONS

 THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
 THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
 THE ADMINISTRATION ON AGING
 JULY 1998

          If you are an older person who has been affected by a
          disaster, health problems or a limited income may make
          it more difficult for you to recover. Three Federal
          agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
          (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and
          the Administration on Aging (AoA) are working together
          to assist you.

          After a disaster strikes, you must: (1) register with
          FEMA; and (2) find out about services that may be
          available to you. Two critical programs include the
          SBA's low-interest, long-term loan program for
          homeowners and renters and the FEMA/State Individual
          and Family Grant (IFG) Program which awards grants
          that do not have to be repaid. If you do not register
          with FEMA, you will not be eligible to receive these
          services.

          After your emergency needs are met, a SBA disaster
          loan is the basic form of Federal assistance to
          restore your home and personal property to its
          pre-disaster condition. SBA loans funds for the repair
          and rebuilding costs which are not fully covered by
          insurance and other disaster recovery programs. If SBA
          declines your loan application, you may be referred to
          the IFG Program for possible grant assistance. The IFG
          Program is a safety net available only to individuals
          and families. It is intended to help meet essential
          needs not met by other forms of assistance. You cannot
          choose between a loan and a grant.

       IMPORTANT...To receive an IFG Program grant, your
          application must first be declined for an SBA loan.
          Often, many older persons do not receive loans or
          grants because they do not complete the required
          process for financial assistance. You must act
          immediately. These programs are available for only a
          limited time.

          IMPORTANT... every State has a State aging agency and
          usually local area agencies on aging which assist in
          completing applications and obtaining services
          locally. Additionally, if you need any assistance in
          completing your SBA disaster loan application, SBA has
          workshops open in the disaster affected areas that are
          staffed with loan officers ready to answer your
          questions and help you complete your application.

                     WHAT ARE THE STEPS REQUIRED?

          First, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency
          (FEMA) and register for disaster assistance. Call FEMA
          toll-free at 1-800-462-9029; 1-800-462-7585-TTY. If
          you need financial assistance to recover and your
          family income is minimal, you may be referred to the
          IFG Program for possible grant assistance. If you have
          more than a minimum income, you will be sent an
          application for an SBA disaster loan.

          Second, please complete and submit the SBA loan
          application. If your loan application is declined, you
          may be referred to the IFG Program for consideration.
          However, please remember you can not be considered for
          an IFG grant unless you complete the SBA loan
          application. If you have questions or need help with
          the loan application, call SBA at the number provided
          in your application packet or call the FEMA toll-free
          Teleregistration number listed above so that you can
          speak to an SBA representative.

          Third, if your application for an SBA loan, is
          declined, you may be referred for an IFG Program
          grant. This program is administered by your State and
          is funded jointly by the Federal and State
          governments. IFG Program assistance for
          disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs
          does not need to be repaid.

     IMPORTANT FACTS

          Homeowners can apply for SBA Loans up to $200,000 to
          repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate,
          and up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or
          destroyed personal property.

          Renters may apply for SBA Loans up to $40,000 to
          repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal
          property.

          Individuals, whose applications are declined by SBA
          may receive an IFG Program grant to meet necessary
          expenses and serious needs not met by any other form
          of assistance.

          Co-signers can be used for a SBA loan. If the amount
          needed to recover from the disaster exceeds your
          ability to repay, family members or other persons may
          co-sign the loan application. Co-signers are equally
          responsible for repayment of the loan.

          Appeals are possible if you disagree with a decision
          about a loan or grant. Contact your State or area
          agency on aging for assistance in making your appeal.

          Services such as transportation, clean-up assistance,
          homemaker, handyman, nutrition and many others are
          often available. Contact your State or area agency on
          aging for assistance in obtaining these services.

          Spread the Word! Older persons are often the last to
          apply for disaster services. When time limitations
          expire, needed services are no longer available. If
          you know any older persons, who have been affected by
          a disaster, urge them to register immediately with
          FEMA and help them get the assistance they need!

 WHO TO CONTACT FOR HELP

          FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY   Register with FEMA or             contact them for additional assistance, by calling:
                 1-800-462-9029
                    1-800-462-7585 TTY

          For help with a loan application or for assistance, call the SBA number            provided in the loan packet or call FEMA and ask to speak with an SBA            representative at:
                  1-800-462-9029
                  1-800-462-7585 TTY

          STATE OR AREA AGENCY ON AGING Check your local telephone book for            your State  or area agency on aging. If you cannot find the  number you            need, call the ELDERCARE  LOCATOR, a  nation-wide toll-free referral            service at  1-800-677-1116.