Ida Disaster and Recovery Resources

About the FEMA Major Disaster Declaration

On September 6, 2021, President Biden approved Major Disaster Declarations for New Jersey. The incident period for both declarations is from September 1-3, 2021, and authorizes FEMA to provide federal disaster assistance to impacted areas.
 

About Disaster Assistance

Federal disaster assistance from FEMA may be available for certain expenses which are not covered by insurance policies (Homeowner, Renter, Flood, etc.) or from active Voluntary Agencies/Mass Care (emergency food, shelter, clothing, medical, etc.). For counties with major disaster declarations, this can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the impact of Hurricane Ida.

Please view the below fact sheets for information on the different types of assistance.

• Individual Assistance Fact Sheet
• Disaster Assistance Sequence of Delivery Fact Sheet
• Public Assistance Fact Sheet (for units of government)
   

How to Apply to FEMA

For individuals, determine if you are eligible and apply in any one of these 3 ways:
 

• Online: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Phone: (800) 621-3362 | TTY: (800) 462-7585
• Through the FEMA App: Apple | Android
   

Tips for Applying

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:
 

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying 
• Your Social Security number, if available 
• A general list of damage and losses 
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name 
• Remember to document everything – take photos and document all damages and keep all receipts related to cleanup and repairs.

Apply for Assistance from the Small Business Administration

In addition to FEMA assistance programs, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size, and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA claims, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits, loans up to $2 million is available for working capital needs even if there was no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.

For homeowners: loans up to $200,000 is available to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.

How to Apply to SBA

Businesses and residents can apply online at

For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. The SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage

Other Resources

Visit the State’s central portal for Hurricane Ida information and resources, including reporting damage, recent news/announcements, hotlines, assistance kits, helpful tips, and much more: https://nj.gov/ida