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| This section will provide you with resources about financial issues after a natural disaster.
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| | | 1. | Immediate
Cash Assistance: You can apply for disaster
assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). You can also register online at www.fema.gov.
Families in need can also call the Red Cross 1-800-975-7585 to apply for
aid. You may be entitled to receive up to $26,200 in grant money from FEMA.
HOPE
Coalition America also offers free financial counseling and assistance to individuals
and small businesses affected by disasters. For more information you can call:
1-888-388-HOPE (4673).
If you don't currently have a photo ID or ATM card,
you may still be able to cash checks and withdraw cash at your bank. Most banks
in affected areas have waived the usual documentation. To find out what banks
are open and what services are available, you can either visit www.fdic.gov
or call 1-877-ASK FDIC. | | 2. |
Social Security Benefits: Go
to the nearest office of the Social Security Administration. To find those locations,
call 800-772-1213. You'll be able to get emergency payments if necessary. For
more information, visit the Social
Security website. | | 3. | Lost
Documents: If you need to replace you ATM
card, credit card, drivers license, visa, passport or medical records, immediately
contact your bank and call your credit-card company to get new cards. If you lost
your license, you can go to the DMV office and get a new license free of charge.
The DMV can retrieve your information and compare your signature electronically
for verification. For more information visit Florida's
DMV website. To replace vital documents like visas, passports, and medical
records, visit the USA Government
website. | | 4. | Tapping
Retirement Funds: The IRS may have eased
restrictions for storm survivors who wish to take loans or make early withdrawals
from their 401(k)s and other workplace retirement plans. Visit this special section
of the IRS
website to find details that may relate to your situation. | | 5. | Legal
Help: After the President declares a disaster,
you may be able to get free legal advice through the American Bar Association.
Thousand of lawyers have volunteered to assist people with insurance claims, home
repair contracts, licensing, wills and other documents. For more information visit
the American Bar Association's website.
Legal
advice is limited to cases that will not produce a fee. This means you can't ask
advice about a personal injury lawsuit. To find a lawyer, contact the American
Bar Association. The toll free hotline in Florida is 800-342-8011 |
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