Federal Financial Aid Accessible for Those Impacted by January Storms
In the wake of the devastating January storms, federal financial assistance has become available to homeowners, renters, and businesses in Berkeley, California. These funds can be employed to facilitate essential repairs and mitigate serious disaster-related expenses not encompassed by insurance coverage.
Those affected by the storms are encouraged to apply for assistance through various channels: via phone, online, by utilizing a specific app, or directly in person. The funds can be utilized to cover a wide array of serious disaster-related needs, including but not limited to, medical and dental costs, transportation expenses, childcare provision, as well as moving and storage charges.
These Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are specifically tailored to assist eligible Berkeley residents who suffered storm-related property damage from Dec. 31, 2022, through to Jan. 30, 2023. The grant program comprises two categories:
- Up to $37,900 for damages inflicted on a primary residence.
- Up to $37,900 for other needs such as hotel accommodation during displacement, funds to replace damaged items, and increased childcare or medical costs during the disaster period.
In addition, the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) provides loans for storm relief to homeowners, renters, and businesses. These loans, payable over thirty years, can carry interest rates as low as 4 percent, depending on access to alternative credit. The loan offerings are as follows:
- Homeowners: Up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence
- Renters/Homeowners: Up to $40,000 to replace or repair the personal property, including clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances
- Businesses: Up to $2 million to assist in meeting financial obligations or operating expenses that would have been avoided in the absence of the disaster.
Since flood damage is often not included in standard homeowner’s insurance, these repairs can be a significant financial burden. The available grants and loans could provide valuable relief.
To apply for the FEMA grants, interested parties can submit their applications online, call 1-800-621-3362, use the designated app, or visit a disaster assistance center. For an SBA loan, applicants should visit their disaster loan website, and application portal, and familiarize themselves with their factsheet detailing loan products.
Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements for the FEMA grants, including U.S. citizenship, non-citizen national status, or qualifying as a qualified alien. Additional requirements include passing FEMA’s identity and occupancy verification, having either no insurance or an insurance claim that does not cover all losses, and demonstrating serious needs or expenses due to losses in a Presidential declared disaster area.
Recently, Alameda County, including Berkeley, was included in the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding. This declaration enables FEMA and the SBA to offer direct support to individuals, households, nonprofits, and businesses within Alameda County and other affected counties in California.
Disaster assistance might encompass grants to facilitate payment for temporary housing, essential home repairs, and other severe disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage costs.
Individuals with insurance should first file a claim with their respective providers. FEMA provides aid for uninsured or underinsured disaster-induced expenses and serious needs. It’s crucial to note that the application does not ensure the provision of assistance.
There are various ways to apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program, including online, via the FEMA mobile app (available on Google Play and iOS), by phone at 1 (800) 621-3362, or in person at designated disaster recovery centers in Oakland and Dublin.
More information and application portals can be found on the respective FEMA and SBA websites. Additionally, comprehensive factsheets and informational flyers about FEMA Disaster Assistance are available for download. You can also access a “What’s Next?” guide after applying for disaster assistance.
