Use Disaster Grants Wisely - Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC

Use Disaster Grants Wisely

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Release date:  November 3, 2016
Release Number:  NR 013 GA
Once approved for disaster grants, Georgia survivors receive funds via check or a direct deposit to their checking account. They also receive a letter from FEMA providing information about the grant and how the money can be spent.Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to use the money wisely.

Before survivors receive their grants, they must sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

These grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved essential disaster-related costs. Survivors who have questions about their grants should call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Housing funds may be used for:

  • Rental assistance. Applicants who have a continuing need for temporary rental assistance must turn in valid lease and utility receipts to receive additional assistance.
  • Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster.
  • Repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems or other structural elements to return a home to a safe and functional condition.
  • Rebuilding a disaster-damaged home.Recipients of FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program grants may use the funds for:
  • Essential personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement.
  • Disaster-related medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses.Applicants should be sure to update their personal information including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, disaster survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their applications for assistance or payment status

    FEMA grants cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be returned to FEMA.

    Survivors are encouraged to keep their information updated by logging into their account:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
  • Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish).
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit readync.org  and fema.gov/disaster/4285. Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management at @ncemergency.

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