Notes
Slide Show
Outline
1
Benefits for
Hurricane Katrina Survivors
  • Training for Legal Services and Pro Bono Attorneys in Louisiana


  • Prepared by:
  • Kate Meiss & Abby McClelland
  •    Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles
  • Beth Osthimer
  •    Children’s Defense Fund of California



  • Updated: September 20,2005


2
Hierarchy for Relief & Recovery
  • Red Cross
  • Other voluntary relief efforts
  • Insurance Proceeds
  • SBA Loans for personal and business use
  • FEMA benefits
  • Welfare benefits



3
Relief and Recovery Hierarchy
  • Red Cross Provides:
    • Shelters
    • Other housing for 1-3 months
    • Food
    • Transportation
    • Financial aid—for Katrina victims: call 1-800-975-7585
  • Red Cross Missing Persons/Family Links: 1-877-568-3317 go to: www.katrinasafe.org
4
FEMA Benefits

  • Laws & Regulations
  • Available benefits
  • How to apply
  • After application
  • Advocacy tips
5
FEMA – Laws & Information
  • Stafford Act: 42 U.S.C. § 5174
  • Regulations at 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.110 – 206.119.
  • FEMA Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program, at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf (also available in Spanish)
  • FEMA Helpline: (800) 621-FEMA (621-3362)
  • Florida Bar Foundation Manual on Disaster Legal Assistance www.povertylaw.org


6
FEMA Resources--Louisiana
  • Contact for policy issues re FEMA assistance programs in Louisiana, and re YLD/ABA disaster legal assistance in FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers:
  • Argean Hicks, 225-339-3769;
      • best way to submit policy questions is via email to: argean.hicks@fema.gov or argean.hicks@dhs.gov
7
Individuals & Households Program (IHP)
  • IHP replaces old THA and IFG Program


  • Two Parts to IHP
      • Housing programs
      • Other personal needs—replace personal property
      • No longer have mortgage assistance


  • Expedited Checks of $2,000 were part of IHP


  • Total limit of aid from IHP programs = $26,200



8
SBA Loans & FEMA IHP
  • First look to insurance proceeds, if any
  • Rental assistance, alternate housing is available without an SBA application
  • Must take an SBA loan, if able to repay and applying for other personal needs, housing repairs or replacement
  • FEMA refers IHP applicants for assistance to SBA
      • FEMA says that they will do “summary” denials (desk reviews) of SBA loans for low–income
        • Unclear if they are in Katrina
  • Attorneys have appealed issue of ability to repay an SBA loan
9
FEMA &  IHP: Housing Programs
  • Rental Assistance for up to 18 months, or


  • Rental Units (temporary)-mobile homes, boats, housing on military bases


  • Money to repair damaged homes


  • Money to replace destroyed housing
10
Eligibility for FEMA IHP Housing
  • Insufficient (or no) insurance coverage
      • or can’t get paid in time and agree to repay from insurance proceeds
      • But note:  Problems with Hurricane insurance covering flood damage
      • Also, FEMA flood bar— “one bite at the apple” (see slide XX)
  • Not eligible for SBA loan
  • Cannot live in home now, cannot get to home due to disaster, or requires repairs
          • Criteria apply to all IHP housing programs

11
Eligibility for IHP Housing—cont’d
  • Home is in a declared disaster area


  • Household member is US Citizen, LPR, or qualified alien
      • Note: All immigrants qualify for emergency non- cash help (shelter,food, medical care,etc)

  • No resource test for these benefits
      • Criteria apply to all IHP housing programs

12
Financial--Rental Assistance (IHP)
  • Money for rent, transportation, and utility hookups
  • Will not pay for security deposit (ask the Red Cross)
  • Will not pay utilities that are not part of rent (consider LIHEAP program)
  • Lasts up to 18 months (more if extended by FEMA)
13
Temporary Housing Units—Direct Assistance  (IHP)
  • Temporary housing units can be supplied by FEMA including:
      • Mobile homes
      • Units on military bases
      • Cruise ships
  • Available if home is destroyed or uninhabitable; and
  • Cannot use rental assistance (due to housing shortage)
  • Lasts up to 18 months (can be extended)
14
Continuing Assistance
  • Can be terminated from Housing assistance if:
    • Have gotten it for 18 months (unless period extended by FEMA)
    • Adequate alternate housing is available
    • Got into it through misrepresentation/fraud
    • Fail to comply with lease/rental agreement
    • Do not provide evidence that you are working towards a permanent housing plan (if no good cause)
  • 15 day notice to terminate for unit—tenants have appeal rights; consider action in state court to challenge
15
Emergency Repair Benefits—Hazard Mitigation
  • If authorized, for Homeowners
  • Money to repair home to make it safe and sanitary
      • Not to return to pre-disaster conditions
  • Only certain acceptable types of repairs
      • structural, foundation, water, sewage, heating, cooling
      • no cosmetic repairs or changes
  • Up to $5,000 (cola)
  • Must apply for insurance, but not SBA loan
16
Other FEMA Home Repair Benefits
  • Homeowners


  • Can’t afford SBA loan


  • Money to repair home up to $26,200 (IHP)



17
FEMA Home Replacement Benefits
  • Homeowners only—limit is $10,000
      • combine w SBA loan-- use as down payment
      • Must be approved (usually) by associate director  of FEMA

  • Money to help homeowner with the cost of replacing a destroyed home


  • Not intended to cover the entire cost of home replacement, or to return home to pre-disaster condition
18
FEMA IHP for Personal Needs
  • Items or services to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse condition


  • Not to return personal property to pre-disaster condition


  • For continued assistance, must document continuing need
      • Note total aid for housing & needs is $26,200 (as of 9/15/05)
          • Not clear if this is per person or household—assume HH
19
Personal “Other” Needs that are Covered by FEMA IHP
  • Disaster-related medical and dental costs
      • Including durable medical equipment
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial costs
  • Clothing, furnishings, appliances, tools for jobs, educational materials
  • Cleaning and sanitization of property
  • Vehicles damaged by the disaster
  • Other things approved by FEMA
20
Other Personal Needs by FEMA IHP
  • FEMA appears to administer in Louisiana-- apply on line or by phone


  • Some states administer FEMA’s IHP through their own Office of Emergency Services:
      • Does not appear that La. administers
      • Contact: Governor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness
21
Eligibility for Money for FEMA’s Personal “Other” Needs
  • Losses in area declared a disaster area
  • Accepted assistance from all other sources (including SBA loans except for mitigation, rental or direct housing assistance)
  • Insufficient (or no) insurance coverage
  • Necessary expenses or serious needs due to the disaster
  • Household member is US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, or qualified alien
22
FEMA Public Assistance Benefits for Government and Non-Profits
  • Available to government and nonprofits to rebuild the infrastructure in a community
      • Roads, hospitals, buildings, non-profits providing needed services e.g—legal aid offices, hospitals, others


  • In Louisiana contact LANO (Louisiana Association of Non-Profit Organizations www.lano.org) for more information


23
FEMA Public Assistance Benefits for Government and Non-Profits
  • Overview of the public assistance process: http://www.fema.gov/rrr/pa/overview.shtm http://www.fema.gov/rrr/pa/padescp.shtm


  • More detail see the Public Assistance Applicant’s Handbook at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rrr/pa/apphndbk.pdf



24
FEMA Public Assistance Benefits for Government and Non-Profits
      • Guidance document for determining eligibility for public assistance
      • http://www.fema.gov/rrr/pa/9521_3.shtm
      • review the questions on form at:  http://www.louisianapa.com/public/forms/pnp.pdf


      • To apply for public assistance online, http://www.louisianapa.com/client/submissions/publicAssistance/step1.cfm
25
FEMA Public Assistance Benefits for Government and Non-Profits
  • LANO is working with a special team within the Legislative Auditor’s Office that is helping non-profits. www.lano.org


  • LANO may direct your questions to this team or put you in touch with them directly.
26
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
  • Must take a loan, if available, and applicants wants to get IHP


  • If low-income may want to try to get a “summary denial” to avoid delays with IHP (housing, or other needs)


  • Others may want help qualifying for larger SBA loans to rebuild


  • Ability to repay can be an issue
27
SBA Loans–
Personal/Real  Property Replacement
  • Personal/Real Property Loans
    • For both homeowners and renters


  • To repair or replace disaster damages to real property (primary residence) or personal property


  • Up to $40,000 personal property
      • If not enough to cover loss –apply for IHP


  • Up to $200,000 for homeowners to replace a home


28
SBA Loans -
Business Physical Disaster Loans
  • For repair or replacement of business real and personal property
  • Includes inventory and business equipment
  • Available to businesses of any size, including non-profits
  • $1.5 million maximum for total loans under SBA’s Business Physical and Economic Injury


29
SBA Loans—
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
  • For working capital to small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives to meet ongoing financial obligations
  • To assist them through the disaster recovery period
  • If Katrina related damage to business inventory or property or for loss of business
  • $1.5 million maximum for total loans under SBA’s Business Physical and EIDL
30
SBA Loans
  • Loan Terms
    • Must show ability to repay
    • Collateral for loans over $10,000
    • Term depends on ability to repay
    • Interest rates from 2.6% to 6.5%

31
How to Apply for FEMA Benefits
  • Online: www.fema.gov or by phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362)
  • Application form, information needed
    • Social Security Number
    • Description of disaster-caused losses
    • Insurance information
    • Location of property
    • Telephone contact number
  • Get assigned a FEMA application number
  • Deadline for applications:  120 days after the declaration (Aug. 29,2005). This deadline is often extended by FEMA.
  • May need “good cause” to apply during last 60 days of application period


32
How to Apply for SBA Loans
  • Online: www.sba.gov or by phone: (800) 659 2955
  • Application deadlines
      • Physical loans: October 28, 2005 (check website to see if extended )


      • EIDL:  May 29, 2006


  • For more information: see SBA’s website: www.sba.gov
33
After Applying for Benefits
  • FEMA will USUALLY promptly inspect the property
      • Applicant should try to be present
      • Must verify ownership and occupancy
      • In past disasters there have been problems with quality of inspections (e.g. “drive-by inspections.)


  • Within 10 days of inspection, should get letter with determination
      • Will be followed by check if approved
      • May include SBA loan application
      • Can appeal if denied, or if award isn’t large enough
34
Once Approved for Benefits
  • Money must be ONLY be used for intended purpose
      • If not, FEMA can recoup
      • Keep receipts and bills to document use


  • Tax free, exempt from garnishment, etc.


  • Continue to go back if needs not met
35
FEMA Benefits Don’t Count Against Federally-funded Welfare
  • FEMA , state, local and similar benefits
  • Whether in cash or in kind
  • Should not count as income or resource in any federal “means-tested” program
      • welfare, SSI, Food Stamps, etc.
  • See: 42 USC § 5155(d)


36
Appealing FEMA Decisions
  • Written appeal must be postmarked within 60 days of decision letter
    • Signed by applicant or by Authorized Representative
    • Include the person’s FEMA registration number and disaster number (listed on the denial letter)
    • FEMA uses codes in denial letters. See FEMA’s applicant guide for explanation of denial codes
    • Fax to (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals and Households Program
  • FEMA should respond in writing within 30 days
  • FEMA Decision is Final
37
Advocacy Tips-
Avoid Overpayments
  • Keep Receipts!
    • Money must be used for intended purpose only
    • FEMA can ask for repayment if it is misused.


  • Make sure client understands what the benefit money is intended for


  • Appeal if necessary
38
Advocacy Issues- “Households” Problem for Low- Income
  • FEMA defines a “household”  as all people who lived together in the pre-disaster residence
    • A person can be denied housing if another household member has already applied for or received benefits
    • Results in poorest getting no help despite urgent needs
  • It will be a problem especially if pre-disaster households are no longer together
    • Advocate that household = people together NOW, not pre-disaster
  • Federal advocacy issue--modify for this disaster? FEMA Regional Director has authority to grant benefits to more than one person in a household
39
Advocacy Issues- Insurance Bar
  • Problems with hurricane insurance not covering flood damage- efforts to address
  • Flood Insurance: “One Bite at the Apple”
  • An individual can be denied housing help from FEMA if he/she:
    • Lived in a flood zone;
    • Got FEMA help before in another disaster;
    • Was told to buy flood insurance; AND
    • Does not carry flood insurance.
40
Immigrant eligibility for
FEMA and welfare programs
    • One member of household must be a U.S. Citizen, an LPR, or a “qualified alien”
    • A "Qualified Alien" includes anyone who has been granted legal permanent residence ("green card"), refugee or asylee status, withholding of deportation, conditional entry, parole into the U. S. for at least 1 year; or a Cuban-Haitian Entrant; or a battered spouse or child(ren) with a pending or approved spousal petition or petition for relief.
    • Some workers may believe an applicant has to have an Social Security number or card to be eligible
    • Receipt of disaster benefits is NOT public charge
    • Eligible for emergency non-cash help (shelter, food, etc)
41
Civil Rights Complaints
  • FEMA is forbidden from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, disability, age, or economic status
  • FEMA Equal Rights Officer, (800) 621-3362
  • If not resolved, can file written complaint with Office of Equal Rights within 180 days of the discrimination
42
Employment Related
Disaster Benefits
  • Unemployment and Disaster Unemployment Assistance


  • Re-employment Services


  • New jobs through the National Emergency Grant program


  • Job Skills Training Benefits


43
Unemployment Benefits
  • State-specific insurance program, so must apply from state where lived at time of disaster
  • How to apply
    • Louisiana: (800) 818-7811 (8 a.m.-7 p.m. (CST))  or online at:  www.laworks.net
    • Alabama: (866) 767-8103
    • Mississippi: 1-888-844-3577
  • For information on filing for benefits and office locations: (877) US-2JOBS (872-7811)
44
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
  • Cash benefit
  • Available for up to 26 weeks
  • Should apply for both DUA and regular Unemployment Insurance benefits, if possible
  • Application deadline has been extended to November 30,2005 (was October 7, 2005)
      • www. LAWORKS.net
45
DUA - Eligibility
  • Unemployed / self-employed workers who:
    • Became unemployed as a direct result of the disaster
    • Are not eligible to receive regular UIB from any state
  • Or individuals who
    • Become the HH breadwinner after head of HH died in disaster
    • Become unemployed due to disaster-sustained injury
    • Cannot reach their employment due to disaster
    • Were scheduled to start work but can't due to disaster
    • Unemployed due to the disaster, exhausted UIB before end of 26th week
46
DUA – Application Issues
  • Within 21 days of filing claim, document:
    • former employment
    • SSN
  • If no verification documents available, sworn statement and other forms of proof ok
  • Interim DUA payments can be paid while documentation being gathered
  • Feds have relaxed verification (App. U of LSBA manual @www.lsba.org )
  • IRS can help get earnings records (866) 562-5227
47
DUA – How to Apply
  • Call (866) 783-5567 (7a.m. – 7p.m.) or (800) 818-7811 (8 a.m. – 7p.m.)


  • Apply in person at unemployment office


  • Online guidance available at www.laworks.net


  • Clients can call (888) LAHELPU (524-3578) or 877-872-5627 (US-2JOBS)


48
Re-employment Services for Katrina Victims
  • New Jobs: DoL has authorized new jobs under national emergency grant program
      • 12 weeks in “humanitarian efforts”, demolition and clean up projects, and weatherization for low-income
      • @ $9.00/hr for up to 40 hours/week (announced as)
      • Apply through Job Centers (www.laworks.net)
      • 62.1 million dollars to La. For these jobs
  • Re-employment services such as: skills  training,  job search help,  and  career counseling from the existing job centers
49
New Skills Training
for Katrina Victims
  • DoL has authorized new funds for hard skills training programs in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas
  • $12 million to train victims for construction, clean up, health care, security, etc-- to work in recovery efforts
      • Short tem credential/certificate programs
  • Advocacy: ensure that programs serve low-income clients and train for living wage jobs
50
Welfare Programs
for Katrina Survivors
  • Cash Aid
  • Food Programs
    • Disaster Food Stamps
    • Replacement Food Stamps
    • New FS rules for evacuees
    • WIC
  • EBT Issues
  • Medicaid & Health Care Programs
  • Social Security Programs


51
TANF Cash Benefits in Louisiana
  • Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) for parents and their children –
  • call (800) 706-8263 for more information


  • Aid to Caretaker Relatives: Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) for relatives and children they take care of


  • No aid for (non-disabled) adults without children—advocacy issue?



52
TANF (Families) Cash Aid Programs – How to Apply
  • Go to a local welfare office
  • No picture I.D. should be required
    • Can use a collateral contact – friend, relative, minister – to confirm identity
    • If collateral contact not possible, should be able to self-certify (CMMS press release – Relaxed Eligibility in all Programs (App. Of U Manual)
  • Call (888) 524-3578 or (866) 334-8304 for more information
53
Food Stamps-- Disaster
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized Disaster Food Stamps


  • Application deadline was extended & varies by Parish until Oct. 31, 2005 (was September 15th, originally September 9th)


  • Advocate for another extension?
54
What are Disaster Food Stamps?
  • Program for new and ongoing FS recipients
  • Can be eligible even if over the usual income or resource limits
  • Get one month of additional benefits up to maximum for your household size
  • Added to existing recipients EBT card
  • New—must apply
  • Can use stamps to buy hot (prepared) food


55
Disaster Food Stamps –
Relaxed Rules for FS Applicants
  • Can be eligible even if over the usual income or resource limits
  • People who may be eligible include those who, due to Hurricane Katrina,
    • Lost a job
    • Lost income/wages
    • Had damage to their homes
  • Have no access to their bank accounts
56
Disaster Food Stamps –
How to Apply
  • Go to a local welfare office
  • No picture I.D. required
    • Can use a collateral contact – friend, relative, minister – to confirm identity
    • If collateral contact not possible, should be able to self-certify (See: App. U of LSBA manual)
  • Call (888) 524-3578 or (866) 334-8304 for more information
57
Replacement Food Stamps

  • Replacement stamps can be authorized if :
    • Usual means of commercial distribution is disrupted
    • Means of distribution has been restored


  • Money to replace lost food due to disruption in power, etc.


  • Not yet authorized? An advocacy issue.


58
New Food Stamp Applicants—Expedited Benefits
  • People newly eligible for FS


  • Eligible for "expedited" help – within 7 calendar days of application


  • Also available for evacuees in areas where Disaster Food Stamps not authorized


59
Special Food Stamp Rules
for Evacuees
  • Evacuees can be their own household, separate from people they live with


  • Usual work/workfare requirements waived


  • Get up to 4 months of money, then may be able to transition to regular food stamps


  • Can use stamps to buy hot (prepared) food
60
How to Apply for Food Stamps
  • Go to a local welfare office
  • No picture I.D. required
    • Can use a collateral contact – friend, relative, minister – to confirm identity
    • If collateral contact not possible, should be able to self-certify
  • Call (888) 524-3578 or (866) 334-8304 for more information
61
WIC Benefits
  • In addition to food stamps & other food programs
  • For low-income pregnant or postpartum women, women who are breastfeeding, children up to the age of 5
  • Gives food coupons,
      • counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care


  • New applicants can self-certify identity, residence, income
62
WIC Benefits
  • People already getting WIC should call (800) 251-2229 for information on how and where to use their WIC vouchers


  • New applicants should call (888) 524-3578 to apply
63
EBT Cards & problems
  • EBT is a debit card used for benefits
  • Problems using EBT card?
      • Call (866) 334-8304 or (888) 997-1117
  • Lost EBT card?
    • Go to any welfare office and ask for a new one. Do not need picture ID – provide name, SSN, DOB
    • Can also call: Louisiana (866) 334-8304
    • Mississippi (866) 449-9488
    • Alabama (866) 465-2285
64
Social Security Benefits
  • Ongoing monthly payments


  • Survivor's Benefits


  • Death Benefit


  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
65
SSA – Ongoing Monthly Payments
  • People on benefits pre-Katrina should receive their monthly payments
  • Paper checks: If mail suspended, can pick up from USPS with a picture ID. Can also go to SSA office and request an "immediate payment"
  • Direct deposit: Should work as normal. If problems, go to SSA office and request an "immediate payment"
  • To find open SSA offices or for more information, call (800) 772-1213
66
SSA - Survivor's Benefits
  • For the family of deceased insured workers
  • Worker must have had at least 40 earnings credits (10 years of work)
  • Available only to certain family members
  • Amount of benefits depends on earnings of deceased workers
67
SSA Survivor's Benefits –
Eligible Family Members
  • Widow/widower (full benefits at 65, reduced benefits at 60, if disabled, start at 50)
  • Widow/widower of any age, if caring for worker's child (child must be under 16 or disabled and receiving SS adult child benefits on worker’s record)
  • Unmarried children under 18 (19 if school full-time), or children of any age if disabled before age 22 and still disabled
  • Parents, if age 62 or older and dependent on the worker for support at time of death
68
SSA – Death Benefits
  • Lump sum benefit of $255
  • Payable upon death of a person who is insured
  • Goes to spouse living with worker at time of death or eligible for benefits on worker's record
  • Goes to surviving children if no spouse entitled, if child eligible for benefits on worker's record
  • If no eligible spouse or child, not paid
  • Call (800) 772-1213
69
Supplemental Security Income
  • Cash income to
    • People 65+, blind, or disabled
    • With limited income & resources
  • Must be USC, LPR (some exceptions)
  • Do not have to have worked at all
  • Start application by calling (800) 772-1213
70
SSI - Disability
  • Physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments)
  • Lasts at least 12 months, or until death
  • Prevents "substantial gainful employment"
  • Determination can take a very long time (average of 26 months), need to submit detailed medical records
71
SSI –
Emergency Advance Payments
  • For SSI applicants only, not recipients
  • If financial emergency
  • For applicant found eligible without complete paperwork, or very likely to be eligible
  • Request Emergency Advance Payment (EAP)
72
Disaster Medicaid & Health Care
  • Publicly funded health centers can provide care
  • Person may now qualify for one of the State’s medicaid programs
  • Federal government has announced relaxed verification for Katrina victims (see Appendix U of LSBA manual, www.lsba.org)
  • Paper certification is used—not a card—take paper to each provider
  • Uninsured may still get medical care at health centers, clinics, etc. Call 1-888-524-3578.
73
Louisiana Medicaid
  • Prior approval is not necessary for hospitalization or dentistry for Katrina victims
  • For all other services must get prior approval
      • If a service was granted in the past (e.g. wheelchair, rehab. services ) should approve with no additional verification
      • State says making decision on approval within 24 hours
      • Contact David Williams if you have a problem with prior approval at: pdwlaw@ix.netcom.com
74
Other programs

  • Victims of Violent Crimes—see LSBA manual
  • Workers Compensation—see LSBA manual
  • Tax Relief --see LSBA manual
      • Federal
      • State—refund of sales tax on destroyed personal property (www.rev.state.la.us)
  • Mental Health Counseling Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
75
FEMA Advocacy Issues--Short Term
  • Add Mortgage Assistance to benefits for Katrina
  • Eliminate Shared Households Rule—people are being denied housing even though are now split up (see slide # 38)
  • Application form is problematic:
      • on line does not have space for “do not know”—e.g. lost car-- must say yes or no, but may not know yet
      • Person may not have a new address, uses old one, then denied because not an evacuee
      • Being told can’t later correct application
      • Only taking applications on line and phone only is problematic for disabled & elderly e.g. nursing home residents
  • Summary Denial for SBA
  • Ensure at least 18 months of Rental Assistance


76
FEMA Advocacy Issues--Short Term
  • Expanded Eligibility for Medicaid
  • Extend Disaster Food Stamps & DUA Deadlines
  • Ensure Relaxed Verification for All Programs
  • Reform DUA—increase benefits; make it the primary source not the states’ UIB
  • Ensure Access to new Good Job Skills Training for Low–Income clients
  • Protect Clean Up Workers from Toxics
77
FEMA Advocacy Issues—Long Term
  • Mobile Homes in Appropriate Circumstances
      • Avoid “tent cities”
  • Housing Stock --Replacement of Lost Units
  • Use of Section 8
  • Right of Return
  • Increased Training Opportunities for participants
  • Design of “New”  New Orleans
  • Money for Non-Profits for damage & to replace Lost Offices


78
Replacing lost documents
  • Driver's License


  • Birth certificates


  • Immigration documents


  • Passports
79
Replacing
Louisiana Driver’s Licenses
  • Contact Louisiana Department of Motor
  • Louisiana DMV retains all of its driver's license and identification card photos in a databank
      • fill out an application on line and the DMV will compare their signatures electronically for verification
      • takes approximately 72 hours


  • http//www.expresslane.org
80
Replacing birth certificates
  • Need to call the Office of Vital Records for home state
    • Alabama: (343) 206-5418


    • Louisiana: (225) 922-2012


    • Mississippi: (601) 576-6876

81
Immigration Documents
  • IMPORTANT – advise that immigration office will verify the identity and immigration status before issuing any documents. If person has criminal record problems or immigration-related violations, REFER TO EXPERIENCED IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY for help BEFORE contacting immigration services.


82
Immigration Documents
  • Permanent resident card
    • Ask for form I-90
  • Re-Entry permit refugee travel document
    • Ask for form I-131
  • Employment Authorization document
    • Ask for form I-765
    • IMPORTANT – for a limited time, employers can hire hurricane victims who can work but do not have verification without penalties from the federal government. Employers may not know about this

83
Insurance & FEMA
  • Use Insurance proceed first, SBA, then Grant from FEMA
  • Companies denying claims due to no flood coverage
  • Insurance Commissioner is fighting “no flood” clauses—arguing that the damage is result of Hurricane
  • Some companies forcing folks to sign statement got “flood money” from FEMA (to avoid paying them)
    •  Injunction issued in Louisiana to stop this practice.
84
Louisiana Insurance Protections
  • Governor Blanco has declared that:
  • health and homeowner policy holders cannot be denied insurance coverage due to nonpayment of premiums through a state of emergency period
  • This state of emergency was due to end around 9-25-05.
  • Governor is expected to extend the period of the emergency
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Insurance Resources
  • Louisiana Dept. of Insurance: www.ldi.la.gov/hurricankatrina,
  • (225) 342-5900
  • Mississippi Dept. of Insurance: www.doi.state.ms.us, (601) 359-2453
  • Alabama Dept. of Insurance: www.aldoi.gov, (334) 241-4141
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FEMA & Disaster Benefits—Resources
  • WWW.ProBono.net/LA
  • Lawhelp.org/La
  • Louisiana Star Bar Association Manual available at LSBA.org—will be updated on an ongoing basis.
  • Florida Bar Foundation Manual on Disaster Legal Assistance www.povertylaw.org
  • New National List Serve—contact NLADA.org and/or LSC.org



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FEMA and Disaster Benefits After  Hurricane Katrina–Presenters
    • Kate Meiss & Abby McClelland, Supervising Attorney
    • Administrative Law Advocacy Group, Neighborhood Legal Services of
    • Los Angeles County; 13327 Van Nuys Blvd.; Pacoima , Ca. 90042
    • (818) 834 7527; Fax: (818) 896 6647; cell: (323) 428-4903;
    • kmeiss@nls-la.org; amclelland@nls-la.org.


    • Beth Osthimer, Director, Children’s Defense Fund of California
    • 3655 S. Grand Avenue Suite 270, Los Angeles, CA 90007
    • (213) 749-4387;  Fax: (213) 749-4119
    • Bosthimer@cdfca.org