Sandy Recovery: Resources and Info for New Yorkers (We’ll be updating this list regularly, so check back often!)

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This guide provides answers and information on resources for the most-commonly asked questions and issues coming up during the Sandy recovery process.

I. FEMA Appeals and other disaster assistance
How do I appeal if FEMA gives me less than I’m entitled to or even denies my claim? What type of disaster assistance is the government still providing? Is there any other cash assistance available?
II. Sandy Insurance Issues
I’m having problems with my home insurance company? What kind of protections do I have and where can I go for help? I may qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program, but I don’t know anything about it. Where can I learn more? Where can I get help in dealing with complex insurance questions and deadlines? What can I do if my insurance company is dragging its feet in response to my Sandy related claim?
III. Sandy Legal Aid in NYC
I am still dealing with many legal issues as a result of Sandy? What free legal aid resources are available in NYC?
Are there any free legal aid disaster clinics going on in my area?
IV. Housing Issues I am still displaced.  Where can I look for short-term or long-term housing?
What kind of help is still available for housing repairs?
Do tenants in damaged or destroyed property have special rights?
I am disabled and have been placed in temporary housing post-Sandy.  What are my rights?
My property has been badly damaged due to Sandy.  Do I have to adjust the property value?
V. Tax Issues
What kind of assistance and benefits is the IRS providing?
My property is damaged.  Do I still have to pay the same property taxes?
VI. Assistance for Small Businesses and Community Groups
What kind of aid is the Small Business Administration providing?
What kind of assistance is the City of New York still providing?
What help is available in Long Island?
What is the National Grid Program and how can I apply?
VII. Health Issues
I am still experiencing a lot of stress and other health-issues due to Sandy?  What assistance is available to help me cope?

I. FEMA Appeals and other Disaster Assistance

How do I appeal if FEMA gives me less than I’m entitled to or even denies my claim?

If you already applied for FEMA assistance and were either denied or given less payment than you claimed for, this online form helps you fill out an appeal that you can print out and file with FEMA.  Click here to use the Online FEMA Appeal form. This form also has a very useful Q&A page to help you understand the FEMA appeal process:  FEMA Appeal Process

What type of disaster assistance is the government still providing?

Brooklyn Jubilee, a member of NY Disaster Interfaith Services serving Coney Island, posed a series of questions to FEMA related to ongoing problems experienced by Sandy victim members of the Coney Island community. FEMA’s in-house counsel responded in writing. This is FEMA’s responses.

FEMA has also approved an extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy who cannot return to their homes to stay in participating hotels.  The new checkout date for those in the TSA program is May 29, 2013.  Click here to read more about this.  You can also click here to download the application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.

Even though the deadline has passed, FEMA, SBA, and other partners are still in New York providing help. The following services are still available for you:

FEMA:

• Applicants may call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585 to update FEMA about your situation or ask questions. The line is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.
• The FEMA helpline provides speakers in more than 40 languages to answer your questions, update your contact information or check on the status of your application. Call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 and choose Option 2 for Spanish or Option 3 for other languages.

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SBA is available to answer questions about low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters or businesses.  

• The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center number is 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).
• SBA assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting sba.gov.
• Visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or a Business Recovery Center. To find the nearest center and for application status updates, call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

EIGHT DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS REMAIN OPEN

• FEMA and SBA representatives can answer questions at each disaster recovery center.
• Click here for their locations.

Visit New York Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Resources for up-to date information on disaster resources as well as answers to commonly asked questions such as: (1) What to do if you have not heard back regarding any disaster assistance?, (2) What to do if you are still waiting for your flood insurance settlement?; and more.

Finally, FEMA urges all victims who have received money to keep the receipts or bills for which the money was used for three years. Click here to read more.

Is there any other cash assistance available?

Visit the New York Disaster Interfaith Service Sandy Recover Guide for an overview of several cash assistance programs available.  One of these programs is the Governor Cuomo’s Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund which can provide financial assistance with home repairs and other home issues.  To see if you qualify call their 1-855-NYS-SANDY hotline.

II. Sandy Insurance Issues

I’m having problems with my home insurance company? What kind of protections do I have and where can I go for help?
In the last few weeks, the New York State Department of Financial Services has announced investigations and new regulations about insurance company practices following Sandy. Click here to read about these new protections available to you and where to go for help: New York Sandy Insurance Problems.

For more help in NYC you can also call the City Bar Legal Hotline to speak at 212-626-7383.

  Where can I learn more about flood insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program?

For information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), read this guide.

Flood insurance could lead to a lot of questions, Touro Law Clinic offers a Flood Victims FAQ for assistance.

Where can I get help in dealing with complex insurance questions and deadlines?

This checklist developed by Touro TLC HEART covers:

• Notices and related requirements for upcoming insurance deadlines concerning “replacement cost value,” or “RCV.”
• Notice of loss and damage that might be covered by flood or homeowner policies.
• How to get your policy, and how to request your claims file.
• Sample language for notices to insurers, and other tips, based on how we have advised our clients.

To learn how to handle a “Replacement Cost Value Notice” check out our blog post and Touro Law’s RCV detailed checklist.  

For insurance questions generally, please contact Touro Law Center’s HEART Hotline for Sandy victims at (631) 761-7198.

What can I do if my insurance company is dragging its feet in response to my Sandy related claim?

NY Insurance Reg 64 requires inspection of damaged property due to Sandy within 6 business days, and insurers have 15 days to make a decision on the claim.  Click here to read about how this new law protects you when your insurance company is dragging their feet.  

 

III.  Sandy Legal Aid NYC

I am still dealing with many legal issues as a result of Sandy? What free legal aid resources are available in NYC?

There are still NYC legal assistance groups providing free legal clinics or:

• LawHelpNY.org includes a list of free legal aid providers in NYC working on Sandy issues
• If you live in Long Island contact Touro Law Center – Hurricane Emergency Assistance and Referral Team (TLC-HEART) at (631) 761-7198 or email tlcheart@tourolaw.edu.
  

Are there any legal aid disaster clinics going on in my area?

If you have any questions related to disaster aid, appeals, insurance, small business issues, housing, or employment matters – check out the calendar below to learn about legal clinics that may be going on in your area.

IV. Housing Issues

I am still displaced.  Where can I look for short-term or long-term housing?

NYC.gov has created a Housing Recovery Portal that allows individuals and families displaced from their homes to get information about housing.  On this site, you can create an account to learn about short and long-term housing options.  You can also call the Housing Recovery Desk at 212-863-5710 for more info.

FEMA has also approved an extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy who cannot return to their homes to stay in participating hotels.  The new checkout date for those in the TSA program is May 29, 2013.  Click here to read more about this.

To stay on top of upcoming housing forums in NYC that provide information on housing resources, click here.

What kind of assistance is still available for housing repairs?

• The Neighborhood Revitalization NYC (NRNYC) has a free Mold Treatment Program available for residents of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island who qualify and are struggling with mold left behind by the storm. Click here to find out if you qualify and how you can apply.  This information is also available in Spanish and Russian.
• Registration for the NYC Rapid Repairs program is now closed.  However, if you’re a tenant in NYC that needs repairs to your apartment or have other questions, this Tenants’ Hurricane Survival Guide provides answers to commonly-asked questions regarding tenant housing issues after Hurricane Sandy.
• Governor Cuomo’s Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund can help homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Homeowners who have already qualified for FEMA housing assistance grants can now also obtain up to an additional $10,000.  Click here to find out how you can apply.

Here is a collection of the most common home repair issues post-Sandy:

• Controlling dust
• Sewage
• Removing mold
• More tips on removing mold and hiring a contractor
• How to check the license of a contractor or company

The New York Disaster Interfaith Service Sandy Recovery page also includes a wealth of housing resources and information.

Do tenants in damaged or destroyed properties have special rights?

Tenants’ Hurricane Survival Guide provides an overview of the rights of tenants in damaged or destroyed properties and provides answers to commonly-asked questions.  Also visit LawHelpNY’s section on Tenants affected by Hurricane Sandy, for a collection of “know your rights” resources for tenants. 

I am disabled and have been placed in temporary housing post-Sandy.  What are my rights?

If you are disabled and residing in temporary housing that does not meet your accessibility needs, click here.  For more information on housing help for people with disabilities, read Post-Sandy Housing Resources for Persons with Disabilities.

My property has been badly damaged due to Sandy.  Do I have to adjust the property value?

Each year, you are mailed a Notice of Property Value (NOPV) in January that reflects the status of your property.  If Hurricane Sandy destroyed your property or resulted in severe exterior damage, the notice you received this January should take into account your property’s hurricane damage.  This resource provides info on how to report property damage to accurately display your property value.

V. Tax Issues

What kind of assistance and benefits is the IRS providing?

For information on tax relief, deductions, and assistance available to individuals, families, nonprofits, charities, and small-businesses affected by Sandy read our short Sandy tax relief guide.  

My property is damaged.  Do I still have to pay property taxes?

If you lost your property or if it sustained property damages due to Sandy, you may qualify for property tax relief.  Click here to find out if you qualify and how to apply.

VI. Assistance for Small Businesses and Community Groups

What kind of aid is the Small Business Administration providing?

The deadline to return applications for economic injury applications is July 31, 2013.  The Business Recovery Centers in Brooklyn and Long Island are still open for one-on-one assistance:

Kings Co. IKEA – Brooklyn 1 Beard Street (Coney Island Room) Brooklyn, NY  11231.  Hours: Mon – Sun, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nassau Co. Farmingdale State College SBDC Training Center 2350 Broad Hollow Rd Farmingdale, NY  11735.  Hours: Mon – Fri,   9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Additional information can be obtained by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Application forms can be downloaded from www.sba.gov.

What kind of assistance is the City of New York still providing?

• The New York City Economic Development Corporation is coordinating resources for businesses that have been affected by the storm, including emergency loans, short-term office space for displaced businesses and other services.  Click here for a list of resources available and how you can apply.
• NYC.gov has a page dedicated to Hurricane Sandy Business Recovery Information with an extensive list of assistance available to help business and nonprofits recover from the storm.  Click here to see the list of services/assistance being offered.
• They have produced in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian which outline all the available NYC assistance for business owners:

Download Hurricane Sandy Business Recovery PDF.

Download Hurricane Sandy Business Recovery PDF (en español).

Download Hurricane Sandy Business Recovery PDF (中文).

Download Hurricane Sandy Business Recovery PDF (ру́сский язы́к).

• Bloomberg has passed an executive order waiving fees for businesses recovering from Sandy.  Click here to read this notice.

What help is available in Long Island? 

• If you live in Long Island contact Touro Law Center – Hurricane Emergency Assistance and Referral Team (TLC-HEART) at (631) 761-7198 or email tlcheart@tourolaw.edu
• Nassau County has established a storm assistance program for small businesses. Eligible firms may receive up to $99,000 to be used toward recovery efforts through the Nassau IDA’s Local Enterprise Assistance and Development Services Program. The program provides eligible small businesses with help through a sales tax exemption on any furniture, fixtures, equipment and material purchased for repair and reconstruction. For information, contact the Nassau County IDA at (516) 571-1745 or by email at Leads@nassauida.org.
• Suffolk County is offering recovery assistance through the Department of Labor and Department of Economic Development and Planning. The county is hosting Small Business Assistance Recovery Centers daily at labor department offices at the H. Lee Dennison building in Hauppauge from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and at the Suffolk County Department of Labor in Riverhead from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call (631) 853-6600.

What is the National Grid Program and how can I apply?

The National Grid Program provides assistance with repairs for small-businesses or multi-family residences.  You can read more about this program here.  You can also call their hotline at 1-855-496-9359 for more information.

VII. Health Issues

I’m still experiencing a lot of stress and health-related issues due to Sandy?  What assistance is available to help me cope?

If you are experiencing continuous stress and mental health issues because of the consequences of Hurricane Sandy, click here for tips and resources available for New Yorkers.

You can also click here to find out what agencies in NYC are providing disaster case management assistance.