The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that it will set up disaster recovery centers in South Jersey where applicants can go for information about assistance. The locations for those centers will be determined and announced soon.
There are several categories of assistance available from FEMA.
- Unemployment payments of up to 26 weeks can be available to employees who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for other state benefits, including self-employed individuals.
- Grants are available for home repairs and replacement of essential household items that are not covered by insurance. These grants to replace personal property cover improvements that make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary, and functional. They also can be applied to help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
- Rental payments for temporary housing can be made to families whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners, and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.
Camden County residents seeking assistance from FEMA can apply several ways:
- By phone: (800) 621-3362 TTY: (800) 462-7585
- On the web: www.disasterassistance.gov/
- By smartphone: m.fema.gov
After a resident applies for assistance, a FEMA inspector will be assigned to assess the damage and determine the level of assistance available. Then a check can be issued, or in the case of business owners, a referral made to the Small Business Administration for low-interest loan assistance.