Federal Aid for Irene Recovery in New Jersey Nearly $182 Million

Neptune, N.J. - Federal aid to New Jersey residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene total more than $181 million as of Oct. 18.

"FEMA has really come through for us, and they've done it quickly," said Lt. Paul Miller, state coordinating officer with New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), "but they can only help those who register."

The NJOEM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announce the following summary of assistance as of Oct. 18:

• 41,739 applicants have been approved for FEMA disaster assistance, averaging more than 880 households per day.
• More than $127 million in Housing Assistance for housing-related needs and repairs.
• More than $10 million in Other Needs Assistance for other necessary expenses and serious needs (i.e. personal property, transportation, medical and dental expenses, eye glass replacement, funeral and burial expenses).
• More than $45 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans to over 1,095 households and businesses, averaging more than $41,000 per household
• 15 Disaster Recovery Centers are open throughout New Jersey.  To find the nearest location, visit:  FEMA DRC Locator

Registering with FEMA is an important first step in recovery.

Anyone affected by the disaster may register for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 (FEMA).  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY, call 800-4621-7585.  Video Relay Service and 711 are also available by calling 800-621-3362.  Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.  Multilingual operators are available.  Register anytime online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or via mobile application at m.fema.gov.