FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
11/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2024 11:46
What Have You Heard? Addressing Misconceptions about FEMA Programs
Release Date:
November 13, 2024
After a disaster, misconceptions and misunderstandings can spread. These misunderstandings can make it harder for survivors to get help. FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management are addressing common misconceptions to ensure Virginians have access to the support they need.
To protect yourself and your family, always ask for clarification. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 with any questions.
| Misconception | Fact |
| FEMA asks for upfront payment to help fill out an application or perform an inspection. | FEMA staff and inspectors will never charge money for any services. If someone offers you help and asks for payment, please report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline: 1-866-720-5721. |
| FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid. | FEMA disaster grants are not considered taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect your Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other federal assistance programs. |
| I can't get assistance from FEMA because I have insurance. | FEMA can't provide money for expenses covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source. However, FEMA may be able to help with unmet needs, including uninsured or underinsured losses. |
| FEMA can take my property or land if I am unable to repay the agency for any duplicated benefits. | FEMA cannot seize your property or land, even if you are unable to repay the agency for any duplicated benefits. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. |
| I'm a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs. | FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced and have applied for Individual Assistance. |
FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.
For more information on Virginia's disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.
###
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3's jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.
To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA's Civil Rights Office can be contacted at [email protected] or toll-free at 833-285-7448.