Federal Disaster - Apply for assistance from the Federal Government
New Yorkers recovering from the impact of a federally declared disaster can register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To learn more, to see if you’re eligible, and to apply,
visit DisasterAssistance.gov
or call 800-621-3362.
NYC Service Centers - Referrals/Emergency Supplies/Assistance/Food/Health Insurance/Mental Health
NYC Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Social Services announced that service centers will open citywide to support individuals and families affected by the flood emergency.
- The five centers will open each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and provide those affected with in-person support and information on resources and services available.
- The FEMA intake location is Queens College, Student Union (152-45 Melbourne Ave, Flushing). More locations will be added in the coming future.
- Services provided at the center include but are not limited to enrollment in SNAP, health insurance, advising on how to obtain an inspection of damages, and referrals/information for pump out assistance for standing water.
- The American Red Cross will assist in disaster relief management -- including referrals, distribution of emergency supplies, and applying for assistance — and mental health counseling.
Please review this website for more information.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20210904_pr_nycem_service-centers-open-for-those-recovering-from-flooding.page?fbclid=IwAR0aXA8iTg3R1tuNJj89H4-Vp7zbVP1LopTazXFK4Xl-3ES-4-MQSglUig0
Filing a Claim for Damages against the City/the Comptroller's office - FOR DAMAGES (note you should also apply for federal disaster assistance from the federal government)
Aside from checking in/filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, you should file a claim with the NYC Comptroller’s Office for possible reimbursement. There is NO guarantee that the Comptroller will reimburse you for the storm damage, but you should 100% consider protecting your possible claim. You should pursue two options when it comes to filing a claim with the Comptroller. Note that there are time restrictions on filing. If you don’t file in time, your claim will automatically be denied.
1) File a notice of claim in Court within 90 days of the incident. You must then commence that lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days. More information here:
https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/e-filing/
2) Note though, the Comptroller may very well deny the claim, so you should also (at the same time, as option 1) file an internal claim with the Comptroller’s office for damage.
https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/file-a-claim/?fbclid=IwAR29Xm1BJLU9nksqYbvMReeZYci4TrwkDyOd1dj_iMpoZNUK7v4OLug_36k
Possible Legal Assistance
You should speak with the NYC Bar Association for any guidance. You can call 212-626-7373 or visit
https://www.nycbar.org/get-legal-help/
Homeowners' Insurance
You should call your homeowners' insurance (if applicable) to see if you are covered by any of the Storm damage. Even if you don't have flood insurance, you still may be able to file a claim. Anybody having issues filing a claim, please let my office know.
Group Flood Insurance Policy
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers Group Flood Insurance Policies to individuals who do not have flood insurance and have received assistance from FEMA after a Presidential declared disaster strikes.
For more information regarding the Group Flood Insurance program or flood insurance in general, call the NFIP Direct at 800-638-6620, option number 2.
or visit
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_group-flood-insurance-factsheet_2020.pdf
Small Business Disaster Loans
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Kings County, New York to help businesses affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The BRC is located at Medgar Evers College, 231 Crown Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225. It will operate every day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., until further notice.
- Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a sump pump, elevation, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
- Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at
https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17147, not for the COVID-19 incident.
- To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.
- Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or emailing [email protected]. Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
- The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 4, 2021. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 6, 2022