Residents of York and Cumberland counties affected by the Patriot’s Day storm can qualify for direct federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Federal assistance may be used for temporary housing, repairs and for disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.
Emergency assistance does not typically cover the entire cost to repair storm damage. For people with insurance, the aid may help pay for basic needs not covered by applicable insurance policies.
Federal emergency assistance is also available for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses and funeral and burial expenses.
Call (800) 621-3362, or go online to www.fema.gov, seven days a week.
When calling to apply for assistance make sure you have the following information readily available:
• the address of the damaged dwelling
• address and phone number where you can currently be reached
• a list of damges and losses suffered
• your social security number
• your insurance company name, agent and policy number – if applicable
• bank account information if you wish to receive your assistance through direct deposit.
The registration process is fairly simple and shouldn’t take much longer than 30 minutes.
Residents can also make claims at Federal Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Centers in either Portland or Wells.
The office in Wells is located at York County Community College and is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Homeowners may be able to borrow up to $200,000 for repairs. Renters may be able to borrow up to $40,000 and businesses may apply for up to $1.5 million for losses not fully covered by insurance.
To be eligible for a business recovery loan, an applicant must first complete a small business association loan application.
Business owners can use loans to cover the loss of inventory, machinery and equipment or revenue. Loans are available as low as 4 percent interest.
Register with the Small Business Association by calling (800) 659-2955, or go online to www.sba.gov/disaster. The deadline for physical damage is Friday, July 6. The deadline for economic injury is Feb 7.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
