"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

(NASSAU COUNTY, NY) – Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport) would like to encourage residents affected by Superstorm Sandy to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) even if they have insurance, as disaster assistance may cover damages that insurance does not.

Residents may apply for assistance by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Interested homeowners may also register by phone by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA tells residents to keep in mind that they must file their insurance claims with their insurance companies as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim may affect a policyholder’s eligibility for disaster assistance. After a claim is filed, if any of the following situations occur, FEMA may be able to provide some assistance.

If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed (meaning a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim) you will need to mail or fax a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. Mail or fax your letter to: FEMA IHP, National Processing Service Center, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. The fax number is: 1-800-827-8112. You should include documentation from the insurance company proving that you filed the claim.

If you filed your claim over the telephone, you should include the claim number, date when you applied, and the estimated time of how long it will take to receiveyour settlement. If you receive FEMA assistance and you later find that your insurance will cover what your FEMA assistance was for, then you must return that money to FEMA because it is considered a duplicate benefit.

If you have received the maximum settlement from your insurance for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) and still need help with your disaster-related temporary housing need, mail or fax a letter to FEMA at the above-mentioned address indicating why you continue to have a temporary housing need. You will also need to provide documentation to prove use of ALE from insurance, and a permanent housing plan.

You have up to 12 months from the date of registration with FEMA to submit insurance informationfor review.

Residents Affected by Sandy Urged to Register with FEMA