The SEOC is currently at level: 2
MESSAGE: Response to COVID-19 and Recovery for Southeast December Storms
The Individual Assistance (IA) Program includes the Individual and Family Grants (IFG) and Temporary Housing Grants (THG). IA provides financial assistance to disaster survivors through grants to assist individuals and families in the declared disaster area with serious losses not covered or not fully covered by their insurance or other financial sources or means.
The mission of the Alaska DHS&EM Individual Assistance Program is to provide financial assistance to individuals or families whose:
The IA Program is initiated when the Governor of Alaska declares a disaster in a specific geographic area which includes any part of the IA Disaster Grant Program. This program does not cover federal disaster response and recovery efforts. Should a State disaster declaration be followed by a federal declaration for the same event, individuals will need to apply for assistance from both programs. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (JPDA) will be conducted to establish the need for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disasters that meet the parameters for a presidential disaster declaration will get FEMA assistance. Affected individuals can apply to FEMA through the FEMA website to be announced publicly at the time of a federal disaster, 1-800-621-FEMA, or at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
Individual and Family Grants (IFG) assistance is comprised of two provisions, Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance (ONA).
HA assistance is available to homeowners to repair disaster-related damages not covered by insurance or by other governmental financial assistance resources. The goal is to provide assistance for costs that are reasonable and necessary to make the essential living areas of a primary residence safe, sanitary, and functional within the limits of the program. It is not to correct pre-event deficiencies of any kind. It generally will not include cosmetic features, landscaping, outbuildings, sidewalks and driveways. Essential living areas of the home include: occupied Bedrooms, one Bathroom, one Kitchen, Dining room, Living room, Entrance/Exit, Foundation/Structure. Repair awards will be based on professional estimates, state sponsored estimates or insurance adjuster’s estimates.
ONA expenses (not covered by insurance or by other financial assistance resources) may include the lesser of the costs to clean, repair or replace essential personal property items identified on the program eligible property list. Eligible costs include medical and dental costs that were a direct result of the declared event. Funeral expenses (cremations, burials etc.) for family members living in the home at the time of the event. Other potentially eligible expenses include transportation, moving, storage, and other expenses that are authorized by DHS&EM.
THG assistance provides financial assistance when an eligible applicant’s primary residence is rendered uninhabitable due to a declared disaster. Rental assistance can be authorized for renters for up to three (3) months and for homeowners up to eighteen (18) months (from the disaster declaration date). Temporary housing payments will be based on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair market rates. Deposits (security and pet) are not included. Payments may be made directly to landlords/owners or applicants whichever is most practical. Lease and/or rental agreements will include instructions that occupants are solely responsible for damages and any additional room costs besides rent amount. Renters displaced by Landlords whose primary residence has been damaged by a declared disaster and who then occupy the rental property will also be eligible for 3 months temporary housing.
Individuals must apply for Individual Assistance (IA) within 60 days of the disaster declaration date. There are several ways to apply:
Those applying should be prepared to provide copies of:
You must apply for Individual Assistance (IA) within 60 days of the disaster declaration date. There are several ways to apply:
To complete your application you will need to provide:
See “Appeal Process”
Visit: http://www.floodsmart.gov and enter your address.
If you are found eligible for an Individual and Family Grant it will come with specific directions regarding what it can be used for. In general, an Individual and Family Grant may be awarded to you to help you repair or replace disaster-related damages to your primary owner-occupied residence essential personal property, and/or, primary transportation. The grant may also be made available to assist you with disaster-related medical, dental or funeral expenses.
Listen to local radio, television and other media for announcements that a disaster declaration has been made. Ask local government officials what kind of disaster assistance is available. If you have damages or losses call the Disaster Assistance Hotline or visit a Disaster Assistance Center.
The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management works closely with local governments and media to announce that the Individual and Family Assistance Program is available. Listen to local and regional radio and television, check for announcements on local bulletin boards and at local government offices, and talk with your local government officials and neighbors.
Applications are taken by telephone over a Disaster Assistance Hotline or in affected communities at a Disaster Assistance Center. Disaster Assistance Hotlines are toll free telephone numbers staffed by Disaster Assistance Officers. Because disaster can be widespread and we need to help as many victims as possible, please apply as soon as possible using the application type provided for your community. Do not assume another type of application process will be available.
Applications will be accepted for 60 days following the date of the disaster declaration. The deadline will be written on the Disaster Assistance Hotline announcement or the announcement for the Disaster Assistance Center. The deadline and reminders will be announced over the media.
You will likely be denied assistance.
Do not hesitate to go to the Disaster Assistance Center because you do not have information you think or are told will be required. This will be your opportunity to begin the recovery process. If you have the following items it is best to bring them:
The disaster area delineations can be difficult to determine so please contact the Disaster Assistance Hotline or visit a Disaster Assistance Center and let our Disaster Assistance staff determine whether your primary residence is included in the disaster declaration.
Write down damages you have. Take photos if possible and be ready to share this information with local, state and federal disaster workers collecting damage information. If you have been impacted by a disaster and do not know if your area is within a declared disaster area continue to monitor media and other information and call the Disaster Assistance Hotline or visit local Disaster Assistance Centers if they are set up in your area and apply for the Individual Assistance Program.
An applicant has the right to formally appeal any decision made by the Division regarding assistance denials and awards, including inspections and eligibility determinations. An applicant must appeal the decision of the Division in writing within 60 days of their award/denial notification letter. In requesting an appeal, the applicant should state the reasons why he/she believes the Division’s decision is incorrect, and provide any additional information he/she may have relating to the application. After receiving the appeal request the IA Officer will render a decision and provide to the Director or designee for a final decision. This final decision will be sent to the applicant with no further appeal rights. The final determination and supporting material will be documented and filed in the applicant's folder as a permanent part of that case.