FEMA Releases Sandy Aid Figures

In the more than four months since Hurricane Sandy arrived in New Jersey and caused massive destruction to its coastal communities, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed more than $4 billion in aid, loans, and flood insurance payouts, the agency announced recently.

FEMA provides regular updates relating to funding totals and the number of residents who have availed themselves of the agency's services as it continues to work in New Jersey to provide assistance following Sandy.

According to FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program claim payouts total approximately $2.7 billion. That figure will rise as additional claims are made and existing claims are resolved.

In all, $586.4 million in loans have been approved by the Small Business Administration. The low-interest loans - low-interest for those with positive credit scores - have been approved for homeowners, renters, and business owners impacted by the storm.

In terms of aid, specifically, FEMA has released nearly $1 billion following Sandy.

Of that total, $367.3 million has come in the form of FEMA grants, which have been issued to individuals and households impacted by the storm. Another $318 million has come in the form of housing assistance, with FEMA providing temporary shelter in hotels and motels, long-term temporary housing, rent assistance, and other housing-related services.

FEMA has also approved $188 million in Public Assistance grants to communities and non-profit organizations that serve the public. Public Assistance funding is often used by towns to supplement the cost of storm debris removal and emergency response costs.

Another $49.3 million has been released by FEMA for other, non-specific needs.

According to FEMA, 258,333 New Jersey residents have contacted FEMA for help or information. In all, 123,695 home inspections have been completed and 80,844 visits have been made to Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the state, of which nine remain open following the late October storm.

FEMA is also reminding the public to reach out for assistance if they haven't done so yet. 

From a release:

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.T hose who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The deadline for survivors to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance and return SBA disaster loan applications is Monday, April 1.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Survivors who have questions about flood insurance claims and the appeals process can call 888-379-9531. Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.