Federal Help Still Available For California Fire Victims

Survivors of the Valley fire that hit Jamul and Alpine in September who are currently receiving Federal Emergency Management Agency rental assistance may be able to extend their benefits into 2021.

Residents being helped under FEMA's Individuals and Households Program may continue with the aid if a fire-related financial need can be demonstrated, and if they can show proof that they have developed or are making progress toward a long-term housing plan, the county said.

According to FEMA, a long-term housing plan is one that would put the survivor back into permanent safe, sanitary, and functional housing within a reasonable timeframe. Individuals requesting a continuation of their current benefits must show progress toward obtaining permanent housing, and a contractor estimate of repairs can point to progress.

The Valley fire began Sept. 5. It was the county's most destructive fire this year, charring nearly 16,500 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and its total costs have not been finalized yet. California Department of Forestry and Fire officials said the fire destroyed 61 structures and damaged 11. The fire was contained Sept. 24.

Extensions on rental assistance may be granted for three-month periods, up to a maximum of 18 months from Oct. 16.

The county said those applying to FEMA for continued relief will need to supply the following documents:

Pre-disaster and current household income status.Copies of pre-disaster mortgage or lease, utility bills, and insurance information.Copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord.Copies of rental receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing the rental assistance was used to pay for housing expenses.Residents requesting an extension should submit the documents by using their existing DisasterAssistance.gov account or by uploading the information via the FEMA app on a smartphone or tablet.

Homeowners whose FEMA verified loss is more than the amount of the initial rental assistance award they received will get a continuation application in the mail after the initial rental assistance award has been granted. Homeowners whose verified loss does not exceed the initial rental award must call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 — TTY (800) 462-7585 — and ask for an application for continued temporary rental assistance.

Those who rent will also need to call the helpline to ask for an application for continued temporary rental assistance. Requests will be evaluated to determine eligibility for the extension. The county notes that there is no guarantee of rental assistance past the first two months.

For those who want to help fire victims, visit https://www.sdcountyemergency.com/donations/

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune.

___

(c)2020 The San Diego Union-Tribune

Visit The San Diego Union-Tribune at www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.