STORM RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

Applications for Individual Assistance were due March 16, 2023. However, a Late Application 60-day grace period is now available.

The January storms resulted in widespread damage across Ventura County, resulting in a Major Disaster Declaration, which allowed area residents, non-profit organizations and businesses access to federal assistance for recovery efforts. The assistance covers damage sustained between Dec. 27, 2022 through Jan. 31, 2023.

Apply for Assistance Online or Over the Phone

Visit Disasterassistance.gov
Call 800-621-3362

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

FEMA Individual Assistance

Individual Assistance may cover expenses for temporary housing and home repairs, cleanup and other expenses. Eligibility for this program is determined on an individual basis and assistance is provided in the form of grants that do not require repayment.

The following types of assistance may be available under the FEMA Individual Assistance Program:

Funds for temporary housing or a temporary housing unit while you are unable to live in your home
Funds to support the repair or replacement of an owner-occupied primary residence and associated infrastructure
Funds for other under-insured or uninsured expenses and serious needs

FEMA disaster grants are not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect eligibility for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

California residents who applied for assistance from FEMA for the recent severe storms and flooding will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial. Applicants are given a reason for the ineligibility and told what they need to do to appeal the decision. Often, they need only send more information. The most important part of the appeal process is knowing your deadlines. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal the decision.

Resources:

To apply for assistance call 1-800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. To apply online, click the link below:

Small Business Administration Assistance

The application deadline is quickly approaching!

Physical Damage: Extended to March 31, 2023
Economic Injury: October 16, 2023
Non-Profits: March 27, 2023

SBA offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters.

Businesses of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged property.
Small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their disaster damaged primary residence, or
Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster damaged personal property, including vehicles.

Resources:

U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet – Disaster Loans
Resources for Businesses

To apply for assistance call 1-800-659-2955 or click the link below

STATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP)

The SSGP provides funds to assist people who have suffered damage from a declared disaster. (“Declared” means the President has issued a Major Disaster declaration that allows the implementation of individual assistance programs.) The maximum grant amount a survivor can be awarded is $10,000. The SSGP is administered by the State of California Department of Social Services. For more information, please visit Disaster Assistance (ca.gov) or call 800-759-6807 (TDD: 800-952-8349) or email: SSGP@dss.ca.gov

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

DUA is a federal program that provides financial assistance to jobless workers and the self-employed when they are unemployed as a direct result of a major natural disaster. The DUA is administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD). To apply, call 800-300-5616 or visit www.edd.ca.gov.

EDD for Sole Proprietors

ASSISTANCE FOR STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR AGRICULTURAL OPERATION

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering disaster assistance to farmers and livestock producers in California who have been impacted by recent floods. In addition to direct disaster assistance, farmers and livestock producers may be eligible for assistance with risk management and conservation. For more information on the various programs available, download the Farm Production and Conservation Resource Guide or visit www.usda.gov.

EMERGENCY REPAIR WORK

If your property requires any type of significant grading work to stabilize or repair damage done by the last storm, please review the following informational handout information and regulations surrounding emergency flood repairs. Download the guide here.

TAX EXTENSION/RELIEF

CALIFORNIA STATE TAX EXTENSION

To help alleviate some of the hardship many have endured during this trying period, the FTB has extended the filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in California until October 16, 2023. For more information, visit www.ca.gov.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR DAMAGED PROPERTY

Property tax relief may be available to Ventura County property owners whose property sustained more than $10,000 in damage from the January 9-10, 2023 storms. For additional information on program eligibility, please visit the Ventura County Assessor’s Office. To file a claim, complete the Calamity Application Form and return it to the Ventura County Assessor’s Office by email: assessor.disaster@ventura.org. Claims must be filed within twelve months of the date of damage.