THE SOUTHLAND FIRESTORM : FEDERAL AID : Residents May Be Eligible for Help
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Ventura County residents incurring fire-related losses may be eligible for federal aid, after President Clinton Thursday declared Ventura County a disaster area.
The assistance, to be coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, may include temporary housing for those whose residences are unlivable and low-interest loans to cover uninsured private and business property losses, FEMA officials said.
Individuals whose homes are unlivable may receive rental payments for temporary housing up to 18 months. Grants will be available to assist in minimal repairs to primary residences that are livable or can be made livable.
The President’s declaration also allows for unemployment payments to be offered to workers who have temporarily lost jobs due to the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits. Loans up to $500,000 will be available for small businesses, farmers and ranchers.
The FEMA also will offer crisis counseling for those traumatized by the fires, income tax assistance for filing casualty losses, and advisory assistance for legal, veteran-related and Social Security matters. Federal funding will be available to eligible local governments to pay 75% of the approved costs for restoring public facilities.
Residents and business owners who have sustained losses can apply for assistance by calling (800) 462-9029 or (800) 462-7585 (TDD).
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