At SULLIVAN PAPAIN BLOCK MCGRATH & CANNAVO we understand that many are in need of help in dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. 

There are many government and private programs which are ready to provide those in need with immediate assistance for the necessities of living such as food, housing, medical care, as well as other much needed services and benefits. 

The following is a list of available disaster assistance programs:

1)    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Provides financial or direct assistance to individuals and families whose property was damaged or destroyed by a disaster and whose losses are not covered or fully covered by insurance policies. In New York State, President Obama has declared the following counties entitled to the FEMA benefits: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and Suffolk. FEMA also offers other disaster-related benefits such as medical, dental, funeral, burial, clothing, fuel, moving and storage expenses. FEMA may provide up to $31,900 for home repair. Telephone: 1-800-621-3362 and click here for their website. To locate a nearby shelter, text the word "SHELTER" and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) or call 1-800-733-2767.  

2)    American Red Cross: The Red Cross helps victims of a disaster by providing shelter, food, warm meals, clothing, emotional support and health/medical services. Telephone: 1-800-733-2767 and website.

3)    Department of Health and Human Services: Provides services such as transportation, meals and homecare to the elderly. Telephone: 1-800-677-1116 and website. 

4)    Nationwide Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Provides referral services and short-term intervention counseling for mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster. They are available 24/7. Telephone: 1-800-273-8255 and website.  

5)    Disaster Unemployment Assistance: This program provides weekly benefit payments to those out of work, including self-employed persons, and others not covered under regular unemployment insurance programs. For more information contact your local unemployment office.        

6)    Housing and Urban Development Program (HUD): Provides rental housing assistance. For a list of offices, visit the HUD website or call 1-800-955-2232 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. To search for HUD regional offices go to their website.     

7)    Housing and Urban Development Program (HUD): Individuals with certain types of mortgages are eligible to receive loans through approved lenders for individuals to purchase homes or rebuild damaged homes; or they may be able to finance both the purchase or refinancing of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation. Telephone: 1-202-708-1112 and visit their two web sites:   website and website.  

8)    Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program assists individuals with locating affordable, decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Telephone: 1-800-955-2232 and website.     

9)    Internal Revenue Service (IRS):  The IRS may allow casualty losses that were suffered on your home, personal property and household goods to be deducted on income tax returns if they are not covered by insurance. County tax assessors may provide information and assistance on possible property tax relief. For further information, order IRS 'Disaster Loss Kit' Publication number 2194 for Individuals (or 2194B for Businesses) by calling 

1-800-829-3676, 1-866-562-5227 or 1-800-829-4059.     

10)   Veteran's Benefits:  The VA can expedite delivery of information about benefits, pensions, insurance settlements and VA mortgage loans. Telephone: 1-800-827-1000.        

11)   Salvation Army, church groups and other voluntary organizations: For further information about entities in your area, a general helpline has been set up. Telephone: 1-866-438-4636 (1-866-GETINFO) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).  

12)   Small Business Administration: Disaster loans through the SBA are available to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing disaster damaged real and personal property. The maximum real estate portion of the loan is $200,000.00 and for personal property $40,000.00. Telephone: 1-800-462-7585 and website.     

13)  National Flood Insurance Program: Provides assistance in filing insurance claims, which may include obtaining copies of lost policies, expediting settlements, etc. For problems with your insurance company, you may contact your State Insurance Commissioner. Telephone: 1-800-427-4661 and website.   

If you have private insurance, get your claim in now and document who you spoke with.  Make sure you get a claim number and all contact information for the person handling your claim. With regard to property damage claims, it is important to take pictures and create inventory lists of any items lost, damaged or that you had to dispose of. 

As more information becomes available regarding disaster assistance we will keep you informed.