Gustav FEMA Assistance Update

I just called the FEMA Individual Assistance hot line at 1-800-621-3362. You can apply online, but, I strongly advise against it. Speaking with a real person is the thing to do so there are no doubts about whether or not you gave the best answer.

My entire phone call lasted 37 minutes with hold time and application time.

You do not have to have insurance or suffered a property loss to receive assistance.

The person taking your information cannot tell you for what, if any, assistance you qualify.

Be prepared to give the following information:

• Address During Gustav
• Phone Number During Gustav
• Current Address
• Current Mailing Address
• Current Phone Number(s)
• Your Social Security Number
• Social Security Numbers of All Household Residents Before/During Gustav (if possible)
• Bank Routing Number & Account Number for Direct Deposit

Call with whatever information you do have!

In 3 -7 days you will be contacted by a FEMA representative who will literally meet with you in person to evaluate your case.

Be sure to keep your disaster number and registration number handy.

FEMA told me to contact your local Human Services office for food stamps. A list of Human Services offices by state can be found at the American Public Human Services Association's State Human Service Agency Info and Links page.

If anyone has any useful information to add to this please leave a comment.

Also, beware of some text message/email hoax about contacting the Red Cross for money at 603-413-4133. The number seems to be associated with a Madden message board. The 603 area code is in New Hampshire so I called it but all circuits were busy and I don't care enough about a fake number to call again.

The Red Cross's real number is 866-483-4636. I don't know what they are doing for Gustav evacuees though.

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