New York

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources (2)+

• What changed at DSS because of COVID-19? Can I still apply for temporary assistance?

  The Department of Social Services (DSS) has had to relax some rules and requirements because of COVID-19. This article has information about those changes and about applying for temporary cash assistance. Content Detail

  By:

  Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

• What to know if you have emergency needs at this time

  If you are a New York resident in urgent need of cash, watch this video to learn whether you may qualify for emergency cash assistance, what cash assistance provides, and how Covid-19 related considerations may affect your situation. Read More

  By:

  Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Learn the basics (11)+

• DisasterAssistance.Gov

  DisasterAssistance.Gov provides information on how you might be able to get help from the U.S. Government before, during and after a disaster. Content Detail

  By:

  DisasterAssistance.Gov

• Disaster & Flood Resource Center

  This web page has lots of helpful information such as the state's disaster hotline number, a home inventory checklist, flood insurance information, tips for filing a claim after a loss, tips for dealing with adjusters and appraisers, how to get help if you are having problems with your mortgage bank or insurance company, mediation services, and much more. Content Detail

  By:

  New York State Department of Financial Services

• Disaster Law and Policy blog

  This blog talks about on law and policy in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and other disasters, and it lists walk-in clinics and resource fairs for Sandy victims. Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law School

• Disaster Response Preparation

  Tips on which documents to keep to prevent you from insurance claims denials, etc. Content Detail

  By:

  New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

• Don't get scammed after a natural disaster

  In times of crisis, storm survivors pull together. But unfortunately, disasters also create opportunities for scammers. Watch this video from FEMA for tips on avoiding scams after a natural disaster. Content Detail

  By:

  New York City Department of Consumer Affairs

• Fair Housing Information for Disaster Survivors

  Housing discrimination is always illegal. The aftermath of a disaster can be a time of loss and transition for individuals and communities. This HUD resource is about your rights and the legal rights of others. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Housing and Development

• How to challenge Hurricane Sandy-related violations from the NYC Department of Building or Department of Sanitation

  If you received violations from the Department of Buildings or the Department of Sanitation related to Hurricane Sandy, read this 2-page fact sheet. Per a change in the law, you may be able to get a refund for the fines you paid. Content Detail

• Mechanic's Lien

  FAQs on mechanic's lien answered. Content Detail

  By:

  New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

• New York City has several initiatives to help your business recover from Hurricane Sandy

  The City of New York has implemented a series of initiatives to help businesses recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. Programs include the NYC Hurricane Sandy Loan & Grant Program, NYC Restoration Business Acceleration Team (RBAT), and others. Click the link above to learn more. Content Detail

  By:

  New York City

• New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) - Sandy Recovery resources

  The New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) provides: • Sandy Recovery Guide & Resources • NYC Sandy Recovery Calendar • NYC Sandy Volunteer Group Housing Program (VGHP) • NYC Sandy Unmet Needs Roundtable • NYDISnet: Free Monthly NYC Disaster Recovery E-Newsletter Content Detail

  By:

  New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS)

• Who to call when a natural disaster affects New York City

  Emergency contact information and related tips in the event of a disaster that affects New York City. Content Detail

  By:

  New York City Office of Emergency Management

Flood insurance (9)+

• FEMA Insurance Claim Review Process Explained

  Years after Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started to notify approximately 142,000 people that they may request a review under this program. For those policyholders who want to start the review process immediately, FEMA set up a toll-free telephone number that people can call as well as a website with a downloadable application that can be emailed, faxed, or mailed to FEMA. Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law Center

• Flood Insurance Premium Increase Guide

  While this 32-page guide was written for advocates, homeowners will gain important information and insight into managing flood insurance and the increased premiums. If you have questions, contact 917-661-4500. Content Detail

• Flood Recovery & Insurance

  This resource features consumer-oriented tips on flood insurance for homeowners. It was compiled by non-profit disaster victim advocates in New York, New Jersey, and California that provide pro bono service and have expertise in insurance aspects of flood recovery. This information is based on lessons learned in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and many other flood events. Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law Center Disaster Relief Clinic

• FloodSmart.gov

  FloodSmart.gov is the official web site of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Click to learn how flood insurance is different from regular homeowners insurance, why it's important to have protection from the floods from hurricanes and tropical storms, the types of flood insurance offers to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP, and when buying flood insurance is required if you live in a flood zone. Content Detail

  By:

  The National Flood Insurance Program

• Hurricane Sandy – Flooding Victims Information FAQ’s

  Answers questions about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law Center—Hurricane Emergency Assistance & Referral Team (TLC-HEART)

• Insurance Checklist 1

  This checklist is the first in a series with practical information for victims of Superstorm Sandy. It covers: (1) Notices and related requirements for upcoming insurance deadlines concerning “replacement cost value,” or “RCV.” (2) Notice of loss and damage that might be covered by flood or homeowner policies. (3) How to get your policy, and how to request your claims file. The checklist includes sample language for notices to insurers, and other tips, based on how we have advised our clients. Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law Center (in collaboration with Greenblatt & Agulnick, PC and David L. Singer, )

• Insurance Checklist 2

  This checklist provides practical and plain-English information focusing on the flood insurance proof of loss deadline and the flood insurance statute of limitations deadline as well as important tips and information. Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law Center

• Use this form letter to request your flood insurance claims file

  This form letter requests your flood insurance claims file, including requesting whether you received any “denial.” Content Detail

  By:

  Touro Law School

• Who is Required to Carry Flood Insurance and How Much

  This 4-page fact sheet explains the minimum requirements, including for people who received FEMA assistance, SBA loans or Build It Back Assistance as well as people with mortgages. Content Detail

New York State assistance (3)+

• New York Rising - Community Reconstruction Program Frequently Asked Questions

  FAQs on: Single Family Homeowner Program Co-op and Condo Rental Property Buyout and Acquisition Small Business Recovery Program Content Detail

  By:

  New York State GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF STORM RECOVERY

• New York Rising - Homeowners

  Provides information about NY Rising's Housing Recovery Program and how to apply for Housing Recovery assistance. Content Detail

  By:

  New York State

• New York Rising - Housing Recovery Intake Centers

  Lists the locations of Housing Recovery Intake Centers near you. Content Detail

  By:

  New York State

FEMA and other federal assistance (6)+

• Disaster Recovery

  Explains the services the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers to Hurricane Sandy victims. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Hindi / हिन्दी

  Korean / 한국어

  Russian / Pусский

  Tagalog / Pilipino

  Urdu / اردو

  Chinese / 中文

• Federal Aid Programs For State of New York Disaster Recovery

  A summary of key federal disaster aid programs Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• FEMAAppeals.org

  You can use this site to appeal a denial by FEMA even if you are not able to consult a lawyer. After you respond to the questions in this interactive interview, the program will use your answers to create a letter to request your file and to appeal your FEMA denial. This interactive program does two things: (1) Creates a FEMA Appeal letter that applicants can use to dispute a FEMA decision, and (2) Creates a File Request letter that applicants can use to request their FEMA file. Content Detail

  By:

  Pro Bono Net

• FEMA Bill Collection

  This flyer offers tips on FEMA Recoupment or Bill Collection letters. Content Detail

  By:

  New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

• FEMA Frequently Asked Questions

  Answers popular questions about what is covered and what is not covered by FEMA's disaster assistance program. Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Questions and Answers for Undocumented Immigrants Regarding FEMA Assistance

  Describes how undocumented immigrants can apply for assistance on behalf of their U.S.-citizen children if they have disaster-related losses and benefits. It is uncertain whether this will continue after January 2017. Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

I have survived a disaster (2)+

• Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)

  The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island continues to provide disaster case management services to Staten Island residents affected by Superstorm Sandy, as well as host emergency preparedness events for the community. Content Detail

  By:

  Jewish Community Center of Staten Island

• Energy Assistance

  Here is a list of programs that help people with their utility bills such as for electricity, heat and gas. Go through the programs listed to see which one may apply to you. Content Detail

  By:

  HeartShare Human Services of New York

I want to file a complaint (1)+

• File a Complaint and Check a Business License

  Go to the New York City Department of Consumer affairs to find out if a business is licensed. You can make a complaint from the same page. Content Detail

  By:

  NYC Department of Consumer Affairs

I want to apply for public assistance (1)+

• What can I expect when I visit a DSS office?

  Read More

  By:

  Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español