Other Assistance Programs

Additional Assistance Programs

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

This program generally covers self-employed persons such as farm workers, farm and ranch owners, and others not normally covered under regular unemployment insurance programs if they are out of work due to disaster. This program is administered by the state Department of Employment Security, through the U.S. Department of Labor and FEMA. It is available only with a presidential disaster declaration.

Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service allows underinsured or uninsured disaster losses on home, personal property, and household goods to be deducted on income tax returns and may offer tax counseling and tax rebates (requires a presidential declaration). Deductions of certain uninsured casualty losses on a homeowner’s federal income tax return may be allowed (does not require a presidential disaster declaration).

Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster. Also, depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes. Both individuals and businesses in a presidentially declared disaster area can get a faster refund by claiming losses related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year, usually by filing an amended return.

You may also be eligible for a reduction in property valuation due to disaster-caused damages, resulting in a reduction of local property taxes.

Check Express

Expedited address change and benefit check delivery from the Social Security Administration and expedited assistance in applying for and receiving a variety of benefits from the Veterans Administration are only available following a presidential disaster declaration.

Crisis Counseling

Crisis counseling may be available by special request through the governor and approved by FEMA after a presidential disaster declaration.