Weekly Message from Mayor Madden: Federal Disaster Assistance for Flood Victims

By now many residents are aware that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has been in our borough several times and are reaching out to encourage residents to register for federal assistance disaster relief. 

Due to multiple potential funding sources available, FEMA will not allow any applicant any duplication of benefits. An example of such duplication is carrying flood insurance and an applicant may attempt to register for FEMA. Federal law mandates that absolutely no duplication of benefits will be allowed. 

Eligible applicants for federal assistance will receive their funds either by check or direct deposit. 

Types of available aid may include the following: 

A.) Rental Assistance 

This will cover temporary housing rental expense. The amount received is based on local fair market rates as determined by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). FEMA will ensure that any funding from HUD will not be duplicated regarding other sources. 

B.) Home Repair Assistance 

Essential repairs may be covered allowing the homeowner to stay in their home. Licensed inspectors should look at your residence to determine if major structural damage has not occurred (i.e. damaged or collapsed foundation wall, etc.). Assistance for covered damages include: 

• Structural damages involving roofs, doors and windows. 

• Damage to electrical components, fixtures, gas appliances, generators, heating, plumbing related components, fixtures, etc., resulting in loss of function. 

• Structural instability of interior such as flooring, walls and ceilings. 

• Water supply issues including irrigation systems, well systems, etc. 

  • Please keep in mind that this financial assistance in the form of grants applies only to owner-occupied residences as a result of a disaster. The FEMA inspection will make the determination regarding the status of the residence (owner-occupied or not). 

  • Funding through FEMA may be also be applied towards the purchase of a new primary residence. 

• Other Needs Assistance – may provide funding for necessary expenses as a result of a disaster. This may include medical, dental, childcare, funeral related expenses, critical-needs expense, personal property, transportation, moving and storage. 

• Additional Services through FEMA 

a.) Disaster legal Services 
b.) Disaster Unemployment Assistance. 
c.) Additional Grant Programs- Pre-disaster Mitigation and Flood Mitigation Assistance. 

Accountability of Federal Assistance Funds 

The applicant must utilize all their federal assistance money exclusively for flood related damage only. However, If monies are spent outside of the intended use, those individuals will be requested to return said funds or be denied assistance for future disaster events. 

For all other non-owner-occupied residences experiencing flood damage, FEMA has partnered with the SBA (Small Business Administration) to make low interest loans available for disaster relief. 

Lastly, please keep your expense receipts of your disaster for three years to document that the money was used exclusively to meet your disaster-related needs.  

Again, if a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expense, that portion of the funding must be returned and reimbursed to FEMA.  

For questions, please call the FEMA hotline at 800-621-3362. Additional information is also available on FEMA’s dedicated “New Jersey remnants of Hurricane Ida” web page here.

Thank you and please be safe. 
Mayor John L. Madden