Four More Sandy-Ravaged Counties Eligible for Aid

Now Qualify for Federal Individual Assistance

Four more counties have been added to the major federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy. The major federal disaster declaration now offers Individual Assistance to residents of Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

"I thank President Obama for adding these four counties to the major disaster declaration," Cuomo said.

"The destructive effects of Hurricane Sandy are far-reaching and will require the maximum amount of federal assistance so these communities can rebuild and recover."

On October 30, President Obama granted Governor Cuomo's request for a federal disaster declaration for seven counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Queens and Suffolk.

On November 2, Governor Cuomo announced that an additional two counties, Rockland and Westchester, were approved to receive federal disaster assistance as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Counties eligible for Individual and Public Assistance: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Rockland, Queens and Suffolk, Westchester 

Counties eligible for just Individual Assistance: Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster 

The federal disaster declaration was approved to enable the federal government to provide assistance and resources to New York State and local governments to support activities related to evacuation, sheltering, and other protective measures, including debris removal, logistics management and electric power generation.

Disaster survivors have three ways to apply:

Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired.

If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

You can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

24/7 Insurance Disaster Hotline Helps New Yorkers 

Impacted by Sandy

The Department of Financial Services disaster hotline will now be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help New Yorkers recovering from Hurricane Sandy. The hotline, at 800-339-1759, can answer insurance related storm questions and help consumers file complaints.

Previously, the hotline was operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends since immediately after Hurricane Sandy. 

“It is crucial for New Yorkers to receive their insurance assistance as quickly as possible to help them recover from the storm,” Governor Cuomo stated.

“This hotline will make it possible for them to reach out for help at any time day or night with any storm related insurance issues.”

Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, noted, “People pay for insurance so it will protect them from disasters such as Storm Sandy. The Department of Financial Services is monitoring the insurers’ response and will step in whenever necessary to aid homeowners.”

DFS is also sending its mobile command center to hard hit areas to help consumers with insurance questions and problems and is helping to staff disaster assistance centers in many areas hit by the storm.

Callers to the hotline can also be directed to the closest disaster assistance center so they can seek in person assistance. Homeowners unable to resolve disputes with insurers can also file complaints at http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/fileacomplaint.htm.

Since the storm, Governor Cuomo has taken several measures to protect homeowners:

The Governor announced that hurricane deductibles will not apply to any damage from Storm Sandy covered by homeowners’ insurance because the Storm did not have sustained hurricane force winds when it reached New York. 

The Governor directed DFS to instruct insurers to accept homeowners’ documentation, including photos and video, of losses so residents can discard debris that is necessary to remove for health and safety. Typically, insurance companies require an on-site inspection first before a claim can be processed. 

The Governor directed DFS to impose a 30-day moratorium on cancelling or terminating homeowners’ and small business owners’ insurance policies in storm stricken areas for any reason, including non-payment of premiums.

DFS urges homeowners who experienced property losses to file insurance claims with their insurers promptly and as soon as possible after losses occur. 

Homeowners are also reminded that flood damage is only covered by flood insurance, which is a federal program administered by FEMA. Homeowners who have flood insurance and have flood damage should make claims through that insurance.