New Jersey Survivors Affected by the Remnants of Hurricane Ida Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance-UNION COUNTY NOW INCLUDED!

Union County has now been added to the counties included in FEMA’s disaster designation!

New Jersey homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida who live in counties that have recently been designated for Individual Assistance could be eligible for help from FEMA.

The designated counties are Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset and Union.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov/ or by downloading the FEMA App on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

“FEMA’s mission here in New Jersey and around the country is to help people before, during and after disasters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Patrick Cornbill. “Residents in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic, and Somerset counties have already begun registering for FEMA assistance and we encourage people in those counties to visit DisasterAssistance.gov to register.”

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
  • Your Social Security number, if available
  • A general list of damage and losses
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

As soon as it is safe to do so, start cleaning up. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.

Non-Designated County Residents

New Jersey has launched a data collection portal to gather data from impacted individuals outside of the six counties where FEMA has declared the Major Disaster Declaration. The state portal will record basic information including name, location, damages, and cost, and need from impacted residents and businesses. It is accessible at nj.gov/ida and damagenj-njoem.hub.arcgis.com

FEMA and the State continue to evaluate damage in other counties through the Preliminary Damage Assessment process and the state portal will ensure that all Ida damages across all counties in the State are evaluated for potential FEMA assistance.

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits, up to $2 million is available for working capital needs even if there was no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.

For homeowners: up to $200,000 is available to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2

How to Appeal a FEMA Disaster Assistance Decision

New Jersey survivors affected by flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida who have registered for disaster assistance may receive a letter from FEMA stating they are ineligible. However, this may not be the final word.

If an applicant believes FEMA’s decision was incorrect, they can file an appeal with FEMA. Applicants must appeal initial eligibility determinations within 60 days of the date on their eligibility notification letter.

The first step is for applicants to read their determination letter carefully to understand why FEMA decided the application was “ineligible.” Many times, it could be something as simple as providing missing documents or information.

Important Documents to Include with an Appeal Letter

Often, applicants need only to submit extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA may find an applicant ineligible if the following documents are missing:

  • Insurance documents: Provide documents from your insurance company that show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
  • Proof of occupancy: Provide documents that prove the damaged home or rental was your primary residence by supplying a copy of utility bills, driver’s license or lease.
  • Proof of ownership: Provide mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you don’t have a deed handy, contact your local or county officials about obtaining a copy.
  • Lost documents: Visit the following website for information on replacing lost documents: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/23a68156/OGlDxsGk5UayI_y7peoVIw?u=https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents

All appeals must be in writing. The appeal letter should explain why the applicant thinks FEMA’s decision is not correct. When filing an appeal, the submission should also include the following information: applicant’s full name, applicant’s FEMA Application Number and Disaster Number, address of the applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence, and the applicant’s current phone number and address. It is important to include any documentation FEMA requests and/or that supports the appeal claim. Also, if the person writing the appeal letter is not the applicant or a member of the household, applicants must submit a signed statement that the writer is authorized to act on behalf of the applicant.

How to Submit an Appeal

  • IMPORTANT: When submitting an appeal, be sure to include the cover letter you received from FEMA.
  • Mail documents and your appeal letter within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

  • Fax them to 800-827-8112.
  • To set up a FEMA online account or to upload documents online, visit disasterassistance.gov and click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.

Applicants will receive a decision letter within 90 days of FEMA’s receipt of your appeal.

Those who need help understanding their letter can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines currently are operating 24 hours per day, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

Los sobrevivientes de New Jersey afectados por las inundaciones causadas por los restos del huracán Ida que se hayan registrado para recibir asistencia por desastre pueden recibir una carta de FEMA en la que se les indique que no son elegibles. Sin embargo, esta puede no ser la última palabra.

Si un solicitante cree que la decisión de FEMA fue incorrecta, puede presentar una apelación ante FEMA. Los solicitantes deben apelar las determinaciones iniciales de elegibilidad dentro de los 60 días posteriores a la fecha de su carta de notificación de elegibilidad.

El primer paso es que los solicitantes lean su carta de determinación detenidamente para entender por qué FEMA decidió que la solicitud era “inelegible”. Muchas veces, podría ser algo tan sencillo como proporcionar información o documentos que faltan.

Documentos importantes para incluir con una carta de apelación

A menudo, los solicitantes solo necesitan presentar documentos adicionales para que FEMA procese su solicitud. FEMA puede determinar que un solicitante no es elegible si faltan los siguientes documentos:

  • Documentos del seguro: Proporcione documentos de su compañía de seguros que demuestren que la cobertura y/o pago del seguro no es suficiente para realizar reparaciones esenciales en el hogar, proporcionar un lugar para quedarse o reemplazar ciertos bienes muebles. FEMA no puede duplicar los beneficios del seguro para propietarios o inquilinos.
  • Comprobante de ocupación: Proporcione documentos que demuestren que la casa en propiedad o en alquiler dañada era su domicilio principal proporcionando una copia de las facturas de servicios públicos, la licencia de conducir o el contrato de arrendamiento.
  • Comprobante de la propiedad: Proporcione documentos de la hipoteca o del seguro, recibos de impuestos o una escritura. Si no tiene una escritura a la mano, comuníquese con los funcionarios locales o del condado para obtener una copia.
  • Documentos perdidos: Visite el siguiente sitio web para obtener información sobre cómo reemplazar documentos perdidos: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/23a68156/OGlDxsGk5UayI_y7peoVIw?u=https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents

Todas las apelaciones deben realizarse por escrito. La carta de apelación debe explicar por qué el solicitante cree que la decisión de FEMA no es correcta. Al presentar una apelación, la presentación también debe incluir la siguiente información: el nombre completo del solicitante, el número de solicitud de FEMA y el número de desastre del solicitante, la dirección del domicilio principal del solicitante antes del desastre y el número de teléfono y la dirección actuales del solicitante. Es importante incluir toda la documentación que solicite FEMA y/o que respalde el reclamo de la apelación. Además, si la persona que escribe la carta de apelación no es el solicitante ni un miembro del hogar, los solicitantes deben presentar una declaración firmada de que la persona que escribe la carta de apelación está autorizada para actuar en nombre del solicitante.

Cómo presentar una apelación

  • IMPORTANTE: Cuando presente una apelación, asegúrese de incluir la carta de presentación que recibió de FEMA.
  • Envíe los documentos y su carta de apelación dentro de los 60 días posteriores a la recepción de su carta de determinación a:

FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

  • Envíelos por fax al 800-827-8112.
  • Para configurar una cuenta en línea de FEMA o cargar documentos en línea, visite disasterassistance.gov y haga clic en “Verifique su solicitud e inicie sesión” (Check Your Application and Log In) y siga las instrucciones.

Los solicitantes recibirán una carta con la decisión dentro de los 90 días posteriores a la recepción de su apelación por parte de FEMA.

Aquellos que necesiten ayuda para entender su carta pueden llamar a FEMA al 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Las líneas telefónicas de llamada gratuita funcionan las 24 horas al día, los siete días de la semana. Si usa un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), el servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles.

Para obtener la información más reciente visite fema.gov/disaster/4614. Siga la cuenta de Twitter de la Región 2 de FEMA en twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

PSE&G Customer Safety Information

  • Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines, and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line. Immediately contact PSE&G, at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) via mobile app or our website, to report downed wires and dial 911 if an immediate hazard exists.
  • Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don’t drive over – and don’t stand near – downed power lines. Click here for flooding safety information.
  • Downed lines can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
  • To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.
  • If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment, ensure that you alert PSE&G in advance and notify your local police and fire departments. For more information, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/3d49a22a/0-1I1_2MEE_ZuZUndtw8SA?u=http://www.pseg.com/life.

Stay Connected

  • Download the PSE&G mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
  • Register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications at pseg.com/outagecenter.
  • Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734). You can also report your outage through our app, website at pseg.com/myaccount or with your voice using the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant[i]app on your smartphone.
  • Follow PSE&G on PSEG on Facebook and Twitter @PSEGdelivers for updates before, during and after the storm.
  • Visit PSE&G’s Outage Map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across New Jersey at pseg.com/outagecenter.
  • To report an outage by phone, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or use our web chat feature at pseg.com/myaccount.

Crisis Cleanup Hotline

Crisis Cleanup is a non-profit volunteer organization created after Hurricane Sandy that seeks to connect storm victims with help.