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state aid programs
NOTE: Many governmental and charitable disaster relief organizations require applicants for assistance to complete and submit an SBA loan application (described previously) in order to qualify for their respective programs, benefits, or other disaster assistance. This requirement exists even if the applicant is unlikely to qualify for a SBA loan. Please keep this in mind as you repair, rebuild, or replace your property, and remember, the deadline to file a SBA application is December 24, 2007.
I may need financial assistance because of the wildfires. Am I eligible for any assistance from the State of California?
You may be eligible for grant assistance from the California Department of Social Services, Disaster and Client Services Bureau through two programs: (i) the Individuals and Households Program (IHP); and (ii) the State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP).
What is the Individuals and Households Program?
IHP is a joint FEMA and state program that provides financial assistance to victims of declared disasters such as the wildfires. Wildfire victims may receive financial assistance for essential needs and necessary expenses, including for rental assistance, housing, personal property, and medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving, and storage expenses. For more information on IHP grants, please refer to the FEMA section of this Handbook.
What is the State Supplemental Grant Program?
The SSGP is a state program that, like IHP, provides financial assistance to victims of declared disasters such as the wildfires. SSGP grants are awarded only for serious needs and necessary expenses directly caused by the disaster. SSGP funds must be spent on the items for which the money is awarded, which items may include rental assistance, housing, personal property, and medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving, and storage expenses.
What is the amount of a SSGP grant? Do I have to repay any grant I may receive?
The maximum SSGP grant is $10,000, but the average grant is between $200 and $2,000. Because it is a grant, and not a loan, you will not have to repay any grant you may receive.
Am I eligible for a SSGP grant?
SSGP is a program of last resort. Therefore, to be eligible for SSGP assistance, you must have:
- applied for and received the maximum IHP grant of $28,800;
- completed a disaster loan application with the SBA;
- made claims for disaster damages against all applicable insurance policies; and
- accepted any available financial assistance offered from other sources such as private and public organizations (e.g., the American Red Cross).
Applications for SSGP assistance are accepted by FEMA for 60 days following the date the president declares a major disaster, in this case, through December 21, 2007.
How do I apply for a SSGP grant?
There is no separate application process for SSGP grants. FEMA will transmit your application to SSGP once you have utilized the maximum amount available under IHP. If you have any questions you should call the California Department of Social Services at (800) 759-6807. Hearing and speech impaired individuals should call (800) 952-8349. In order to be eligible for a SSGP grant you must submit your application to FEMA by December 21, 2007.