In an interview yesterday, Mayor Roach stated, in reference to FEMA being hard to reach, President Bush said, "Call now, there are ten thousand operators waiting!"


American Press - Lake Charles, La.
A newspaper serving Southwest Louisiana since 1895

How to get $2,000 per household

Southwest Louisiana residents who have been displaced by Hurricane Rita can get $2,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a special program called Expedited Assistance.

What is Expedited Assistance?

$2,000 per household, for disaster-related needs such as transportation, clothing, rental housing, other housing accommodations, and food.

If approved, the funds will be electronically transferred to your bank account or a check mailed via the US Postal Service.

The $2,000 is included in the calculation of total benefits for which you may be eligible.

This amount may cover only a portion of the total assistance that you need. After going through the normal eligibility process you may receive additional payments of assistance.


Am I eligible for Expedited Assistance?

You may be eligible if:

You are a resident impacted by Hurricane Rita from a declared parish/county in Louisiana or Texas, and

You have been displaced by the hurricane, and

You do not have the means of identifying damage to your property or are unable to provide immediate documentation.


How do I get Expedited Assistance?

Register with FEMA online at fema.gov.

Or Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Or Call TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.


How will the money be given to me?

Funds will be made available by an electronic transfer to put funds directly in your bank account, or a check that can be delivered directly to individuals through the US Postal Service.


What if I don’t have a bank account?

Visit a local disaster recovery center and someone will be able to assist you with setting up a bank account.

posted by American Press at 12:43 PM

http://americanpress.blogspot.com/

I applied online 2 days ago. I went to check my status and yes I already created an account w/pin. I tried to sign in with my info and it tells me my info isn't valid. I changed it and tried to assign a new password and a new pin was supposed to be e-mailed to me. I haven't received it. I tried calling the hotline was on hold for 15 mins only to have the operator tell me she was having technical difficulties and to try back later. I tried again an hour later only to get connected and then disconnected.
The FEMA rep says we have to go and update our application in order to get the 2000.00 yet I can't get logged on to do so. What's a person to do?

I gave up trying to connect to FEMA by phone, so applied online two days ago for their assistance - they denied because I have homeowners insurance (which doesn't pay for food, clothing, shelter). Somebody told me to reapply today, so I did - same result. I don't know where Bush or anybody gets the idea that FEMA will give you $2K if you're displaced. Does anybody know of anyone that has been successful? I think FEMA is just a bad joke.

Well I spoke with a FEMA Rep today and was told that my application was accepted and that the 2K should be showing up soon, as in a couple of days. *cross your fingers* They also told me they have been having some technical difficulties and later on when a friend applied their computer system went down so she has to call back to get her ID # tomorrow.

I don't know if ours was accepted because we have no insurance, or because we evacuated or what, but also the Salvation Army can be very helpful when it comes to food, clothing. Any Veterans can possibly go to their local VA Hospital for health care and such.

Not sure if any of this helps at all, but good luck.

I spoke with FEMA less than a hour ago, said my family WOULD NOT receive ny assistance until it was determined what isurance would not pay, mean while we are haveing to pay out of pocket for hotel expense, tried red cross was told that they could offer no assisstance.

stkwchr

I was also told NO by Red Cross since we're Rita evacuees and not Katrina victims. Well I decided to write them a nice little letter about it and yes they actually replied and said' "The American Red Cross is dedicated to helping all evacuees, from both Katrina and Rita.

We are so happy that you are safe. Assistance is provided in a variety of ways, including client assistance cards, vouchers, checks and cash. This program has reached nearly 495,000 families to date." Then went on to list info on their "services" and what have you.

I plan to call again and see what they say and if it's the same old story I'll tell them word for word what they wrote to me and see what they say about that.

Seems like everyone is running out of money quick, if they haven't already run out as we have.
If it weren't for my little brother we'd be screwed for sure! Even he is limited in what he can do to help though.

We have recieved immediate help in the form of food and clothing from the Salvation Army... their web site is www.redshield.org/crisis

We have just really been trying anything we can think of. I do find that phone calls tend to work better than trying to sign up for things online though.

We actually got assistance from the Red Cross today! We're in Huntsville Alabama. We went to a Red Cross Recovery Center and filled out an application and were given a check on the spot for a little over $300 per family member. My family who is still in Louisiana still hasn't gotten help tho.

I sat on the phone tonite with Fema for 40 mins. I was having trouble checking my status online. They were checking on the computer and told me to check my bank as if I should have the money. She said Hibernia should know except I never listed Hibernia. I listed the routing number and account for Jeff Davis Bank. I told her this and she was trying to figure it out when the computer went down. She then transferred me to help where I held for 10 mins just to get a message that all systems are down and I need to call back tomorrow between 7am -2 et. I am starting to think they are holding off because Calcasieu decides tomorrow when they will be letting us back in.