Mangano Urges Storm Victims To Apply For State Home Damage Repair Aid

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano encourages homeowners whose houses were destroyed or severely damaged by Superstorm Sandy to apply for additional funds made available through a new state program.

Homeowners who have previously qualified for a FEMA assistance grant may now obtain additional funds up to $10,000 through the Governor's Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund.

This new assistance is a grant program which does not need to be repaid.

Qualified homeowners must be County residents. The destroyed or seriously damaged home should be your primary residence. Homeowners must have previously qualified for FEMA housing assistance capped at $31,900. Any FEMA grant you have received should not have covered the entire amount of FEMA's appraisal. Any new funding you would receive must not duplicate any aid you have already received from another governmental agency or from your own insurance coverage.

Applications for this new additional funding begins by contacting your insurance company. However, if your insurance company is not covering the full damage cost you can apply directlyfor FEMA Housing Assistance at 1-800-621-3362. Hearing impaired homeowners may call 1-800-462-7585. Those who reach the maximum allowable grant funds from FEMA's Housing Assistance program will be sent an application for the new state funding.

Home damage notcovered bythis program include:

• Personal property replacement
• Clothing
• Debris removal
• Sanitation
• Food or medical services
• Transportation
• Any pre-existing conditions

To learn more about the Governor’s Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund as well as other state initiatives to assist storm victims, call 1-855-NYS SANDY.