It can be hard to know what to do next when you’re struggling to survive and putting the pieces back together.
We encourage EVERYONE to register with FEMA for potential assistance as an important first step. Even if you reported damage through the self-assessment or signed-up for FEMA assistance before the Federal Declaration, you MUST still apply directly using the instructions below. Don’t miss this opportunity for support.
Locally, case managers are also available to help guide you through the long-term recovery process, help with filling out paperwork and connecting you with local financial, volunteer and in-kind resources. They can be reached Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Call them at (989) 374-8000.
HOW TO REGISTER WITH FEMA FOR DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE
The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 8, 2020. Applicants may register in the following ways:
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:
• Mail to: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
• Or fax to: 800-827-8112.
• Or submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
WHERE TO SUBMIT DISASTER ASSISTANCE APPLICATION
FEMA has set up a Documentation Drop-off Center for survivors to submit any required supporting documents for their disaster assistance application. Applicants DO NOT have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online as well.
The FEMA Documentation Drop-off Center is located at: 825 E. Main Street, Midland, MI 48640.
The center opens at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 with additional days and hours listed below.
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
• 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Wednesday and Saturday
The drop-off center will be open for a limited period of time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.
All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow currently effective state and local requirements for COVID-19 safety measures. Applicants must wear face masks and will remain in their cars as they hand their documents to FEMA personnel, who will be wearing face masks and protective equipment as well. FEMA staff will take the documents, scan them and return them to the applicants.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN SBA LOAN
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace either damaged or destroyed personal property. Interest rates are as low as 1.25% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
SBA has opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center/Business Recovery Center to help survivors apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Virtual customer support representatives are available to help with completing the online application Monday—Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. via phone at (571) 422-8013, (571) 422-6016 and (571) 422-0331 or via email at FOCE-Help@sba.gov
