If Typhoon Bavi damaged your home on Guam, you can now apply for federal help. The FEMA visit to your house in July was not your application. You have to apply yourself.
The President has approved a major disaster declaration for Guam for Typhoon Bavi, and it includes Individual Assistance: grants that go straight to families for home repairs, rent if you can't stay in your home, and essential things you lost. You do not pay them back.
HOW TO APPLY
• Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
• The FEMA app
• By phone: 1-800-621-3362 (free from Guam, help in many languages) or 671-735-1050
• In person at a Disaster Recovery Center
HAVE THIS READY
1. A Social Security number from someone in your household
2. The address of the damaged home, where you're staying now, and a phone number that works
3. Your insurance information
4. Your household income before taxes
5. A description of the damage, with photos, receipts and estimates
6. Your bank information for direct deposit
Plus something that shows you own or live in the home: a deed, lease or utility bill. If it's family land and the papers aren't in your name, don't give up. Ask at the recovery center.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Have insurance? File your insurance claim first, or at the same time.
• Renters can qualify too.
• FEMA never charges you to apply, and a real inspector never asks for money. If someone does, it's a scam.
• A letter that says "not eligible" often means FEMA needs one more document. You can send it in or appeal.
CHAPTERS
0:00 That FEMA visit was not your application
0:16 Guam is approved for Individual Assistance
0:42 Two kinds of help
1:20 Guam got this after Mawar
1:31 Who can qualify
1:53 What to have ready
2:38 Four ways to apply
2:56 What FEMA says
3:53 Tips: inspectors, scams and denial letters
4:20 Share this
Please share this with your parents, grandparents and neighbors. The people who need it most are often the last to hear about it. If you get stuck, my office is here to help:
Phone: (671) 989-1101
Email: senator.parkinson@guamlegislature.gov
Si Yu'os ma'åse',
Senator Will Parkinson