Individual Assistance
Disaster assistance is available for affected individuals and businesses following a Presidential disaster declaration. There are several types of assistance available to individuals, families, and businesses:
Low-Interest Loans
Most federal assistance is in the form of low-interest loans to cover expenses not covered by state or local programs or private insurance. People who do not qualify for loans may be able to apply for a cash grant. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), offer low interest loans to eligible individuals, farmers, and businesses to repair or replace damaged property and personal belongings not covered by insurance.
Cash Grants
Individuals who do not qualify for a loan from the SBA may be eligible for assistance from the Individual and Family Grant (IFG) program. This state-administered program helps individuals with necessary expenses and serious needs, including medical, dental, and funeral expenses that are the result of a disaster.
Housing Assistance
The Disaster Housing Program (DHA) makes funds and services available to individuals whose homes are unlivable because of a disaster. Assistance may include lodging expense reimbursement, emergency minimal repair assistance, temporary rental assistance, and mortgage and rental assistance.
Unemployment Benefits
Disaster unemployment assistance and unemployment insurance benefits may be available through Iowa Workforce Development.
Veterans Benefits
The Department of Veterans' Affairs provides death benefits, pensions, insurance settlements and adjustments to home mortgages for veterans.
Tax Refunds
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows certain casualty losses to be deducted on federal income tax returns for the year of the loss or through an immediate amendment to the previous year's return.
Excise Tax Relief
Businesses may file claims with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for payment of federal excise taxes paid on alcoholic beverages or tobacco products lost or damaged during a disaster.
Crisis Counseling
The crisis counseling program helps disaster victims with mental health problems caused by the disaster or its aftermath. Crisis counseling services are also offered by the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, other voluntary agencies, as well as churches and synagogues.
Free Legal Counseling
The Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, through an agreement with FEMA, provides free legal advice for low-income individuals regarding cases that will not produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid part of the settlement which is awarded by the court). For more information on Individual Assistance, visit FEMA at: http://www.fema.gov