As disasters strike across the country, the Department of Veterans Affairs created a check list for Veteran homeowners if they’ve been faced with a natural disaster that makes their home inhabitable.  Using this check list will help veterans get back on their feet faster and help them to know their rights and responsibilities.

 

 

1)      Contact Your Mortgage Company

1. a.       Lenders expect you to continue your mortgage payment even if your house no longer exists or is no longer habitable and while it is being repaired. 
2. b.      If the disaster has affected your ability to make payments or your income, you need to contact your lender immediately to discuss forbearance or possible extension or loan modification. 
3. c.       Talk to your lender about how insurance loss checks and repairs to your property, payment to contractors, will be handled. Checks should be made directly to you to cover loss of personal property and living expenses during repair.  Checks to repair your home will go through your mortgage company.

 

2)      Contact Your Insurance Company or Agent

1. a.       File an insurance loss claim as soon as possible,
2. b.      Refrain from agreeing to a settlement amount before you know the extent and cost of repairs.  Many homes may not retain the structural soundness that will allow them to be renovated. 
3. c.       Call your local government’s Office of Engineers to inspect for structural damage.
4. d.      Get two estimates from local, licensed contractor for costs to rebuild.

 

3)      Contact Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

1. a.       All federal disaster relief begins with FEMA after your area has been designated a national disaster area.  Begin your application process by 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired).
2. b.      Make sure you file before FEMA’s deadline expires and check for maximum assistance amounts so you know what is available and how to get it. FEMA website, www.fema.gov.
3. c.       Disaster relief funds for uninsured losses available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) or any other disaster recovery agency must first go through FEMA.
4. d.      Never pay your loan in full before checking with the SBA on a loan for the uninsured portion of your related loss.  You may qualify for help via low interest loans, cash grants, or housing assistance from other agencies.

 

4)      Check Other Sources of Help for Veterans

Check for other sources of relief including local offices of:

1. a.       the American Legion,
2. b.      Veterans of Foreign Wars,
3. c.       Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

 

5)      Change your Address

Let the VA know where you are and where they can send checks if you are no longer able to receive mail at home or if your bank has blown away.

1. Regional post office and
2. Regional VA Regional Office.  Call 800-827-1000 to find your closest VA local office, if you don’t know it.