Assistance
(FEMA) Federal Emergency Management Agency
Provides disaster grants and loans to individuals, businesses,
communities, and states. FEMA also coordinates federal responses to
disaster, provides disaster education, and advising. FEMA's Rental
Assistance Program can also help eligible renters and landowners find
temporary housing and assist with the costs. For information on how to
protect and organize important personal and financial
information.
Phone: (800) 621-FEMA
California Governors Office of Emergency Services
Coordinates state response to major disasters, receives and
distributes FEMA money to county offices of emergency services.
Phone: (916) 845-8100
Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov/
United States Small Business Administration
Offers low-interest, long-term loans to eligible victims of
disasters. If 40 percent or more of your original property value has
been damaged, you plan to rebuild, or do not have enough credit to
cover your mortgage payments. Small Business Administration may be
able to help refinance and reduce your mortgage payments.
Phone: (800) 488-5323
Website: https://lending.sba.gov/
If a disaster causes financial hardship, and you are unable to pay financial institutions or creditors, contact them directly. Tell them about your disaster situation and request that your payments be delayed or reduced. Make sure to communicate all agreements and terms in writing. If you feel that credit counseling would be beneficial to you, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at https://www.nfcc.org or by calling (800) 388-2227.
If you cannot pay federal or state income taxes on time because of a disaster, you may be able to obtain an extension. The Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board extend certain tax deadlines for disaster victims without charging interest or penalty fees.
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone: (800) 829-3676
Website: http://www.irs.gov
Disaster Assistance
and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Disaster-Assistance-and-Emergency-Relief-for-Individuals-and-Businesses-1
State of California Franchise Tax Board
Phone: (800) 338-0505
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov
California Employment Development Department
If you cannot work due to a disaster, you may be eligible for
disaster unemployment assistance or unemployment insurance benefits.
If you are able to work, seeking work, willing to accept a suitable
job, and fulfill additional criteria, you may be eligible for
unemployment insurance through the California Employment Development
Department.
Phone: (800) 300-5616
Website: https://edd.ca.gov
Stay Informed