Homeowners, renters and business owners in Erie, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties who suffered damage during the Aug. 8-10 floods can now register for federal disaster assistance.

     The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized Individual Assistance Friday, Sept. 4 after a review of damage assessments.

     The following provides answers to frequently asked questions about disaster assistance:

How do I apply?
     There are two ways to apply for disaster assistance. Residents can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TFY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired.

What kinds of assistance are available?
     Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other aid programs. Grants do not have to be repaid.

     The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property. The SBA also offers low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to small businesses and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes. These loans are designed to help meet working-capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. SBA’s disaster loans cover uninsured or uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Am I eligible for Individual Assistance if I already have insurance?
     You should apply for assistance even if you have insurance, because you may find that you are underinsured or have unmet needs after your insurance settlement. If you have not already contacted your insurance agent to file a claim, do this as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for assistance.

     Insurance is your main source for money to put your life back in order after a disaster. But there are many things that insurance does not cover, so disaster programs may be able to help. You should not wait for your insurance settlement to apply to The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) because it could cause unnecessary delays in receiving disaster assistance.

     The SBA will process your application subject to your insurance settlement.

     If you receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application in the mail, complete and return it as soon as possible. These loans are the primary source of recovery assistance after a federally declared disaster. The loan application is an important part of the disaster assistance process.

I have applied. What happens next?
     After you apply, FEMA will send you a copy of your application and a copy of “Help After a Disaster: An Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program,” which will answer many of your questions. This publication explains how FEMA’s disaster assistance programs work, describing additional kinds of help you may qualify for from other federal, state and voluntary agencies. It also gives you many important tips on how best to make all these programs work best for you.      If your home or its contents are damaged, a FEMA inspector will contact you within about 10 days after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home. All inspectors carry photo ID that shows they are affiliated with the U.S. government.

How can I check the status of my case?
     Applicants may visit a local Disaster Recovery Center once these locations are set up or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov. You can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired.

Do I have to be a legal U.S. resident to receive Individual Assistance?
     Yes. To be eligible for assistance from FEMA you must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien. A qualified alien generally includes individuals who are lawful permanent residents (possessing a “green card”) or those with refugee or asylum status. Qualified aliens include those on parole into the U.S. for at least one year for humanitarian purposes, those with conditional entry, those who are Cuban-Haitian entrants, and those with petitions for relief base on battery or extreme cruelty by a family member. Check with an immigration expert if you have questions about your legal status.

Is there any assistance available for undocumented immigrants?
     You may apply for Individual Assistance on behalf of your child who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. You may also be eligible under different programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance.