Federal disaster assistance to individuals is now available to residents of three New York counties affected by the August storms and floods in Western New York.

     “We encourage residents to register with FEMA if you were affected by the disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Jaime E. Forero. “It’s the first step on the road to recovery.”

     Disaster assistance for eligible individuals may include:

  •  Grants to help pay for temporary housing and home repairs to make a home habitable.
  •  Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
  •  Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance.
  •  Other Disaster Aid Programs, such as crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid, and assistance with income tax, Social Security and Veterans’ benefits.

     To apply, affected residents of Erie, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties can now register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Applicants with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

     Individuals, home and business owners who may have already registered with other agencies and organizations for assistance, must also register with FEMA to have access to FEMA and state disaster programs. Those registering should be prepared to provide the name as shown on their Social Security card, their Social Security number, complete contact information, address of the damaged property, and insurance information.