Insurance

You may be eligible for 13 forms of assistance.

Forms of Assistance without Online Applications
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203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims and 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance
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Program Description
Section 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims helps survivors in presidentially-designated disaster areas to obtain mortgages to purchase a new home or rebuild their home that was damaged by a disaster.

Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance enables homebuyers and homeowners to either finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage, or finance the rehabilitation of their existing home. Money may be used for rehabilitation efforts ranging from relatively minor to virtual reconstruction. Section 203(k) insured loans can finance the rehabilitation of the residential portion of a property that also has non-residential uses and they can cover the conversion of a property of any size to a one- to four- unit structure.
General Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for Section 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims, you must be a homeowner of a one-family home that was destroyed during a presidentially-declared disaster. The home in question must also be your primary residence.

In order to be eligible for Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance, you must be able to make monthly mortgage payments and be rehabilitating a home that is at least one year old.
Application Process
To apply, please contact a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-approved lender at:
http://hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm
Program Contact Information
For more information on the Section 203h Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims program, visit:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ins/203h-dft.cfm

For more information on the Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program, visit:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kmenu.cfm

If you have additional questions, contact our FHA Resource Center at:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/fharesourcectr.cfm

Or call:
1-800-CALL-FHA (1-800-225-5342)

You can also locate your local FHA Homeownership Center at:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hoc/hsghocs.cfm You may also email us at:info@fhaoutreach.com
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development http://www.hud.gov/
Crop Insurance
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Program Description
Crop Insurance protects agricultural producers against crop losses resulting from natural causes. The program, administered by USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA), offers several different plans for crops and livestock. Availability of these crop policy plans varies by state and county.
General Program Requirements
To qualify for this benefit program, you must be an agricultural producer/farmer or rancher.
Application Process
For a listing of insurance companies and agents offering crop insurance coverage, visit http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/companies/.
Program Contact Information
To contact the Risk Management Agency, please email us at:rma.mail@rma.usda.gov For more information about the Crop Insurance Program and to find insurance plans available in your area, visit:http://www.rma.usda.gov
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture http://www.usda.gov/
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
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Program Description
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a result of a presidentially-declared major disaster.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit, your employment or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. You must have been determined not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or Federal law).

Payment will be made to an unemployed worker, who as a direct result of a presidentially-declared major disaster:
  • No longer has a job,
  • Is unable to reach the place of work,
  • Was to commence work and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job,
  • Has become the breadwinner for the household because the head of household died as a direct result of the disaster (If you became a breadwinner due to the death of a self-employed individual as a direct result of the disaster, you are considered an unemployed worker for DUA purposes), or
  • Cannot work because of a disaster-incurred injury.

With exceptions for persons with an injury and for self-employed individuals performing activities to return to self-employment, individuals must be able to work and available for work, which are the same requirements to be eligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits.

To determine your eligibility for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you should contact the state unemployment insurance agency in the state where you are located as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. In some states, you can now file a claim by telephone and the Internet.

Application Process
More information about this program and where to apply for benefits under this program is available at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp.
Program Contact Information
People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:1-877-889-5627 You can also call:1-877-872-5627
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
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Program Description
Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968. The NFIP, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), enables homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities to purchase federally backed flood insurance. This insurance offers an insurance alternative to disaster assistance to meet the escalating costs of repairing flood damage to buildings and their contents.

Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. There are now more than 20,600 participating communities across the United States and its territories.

Federal flood insurance is available for residents and business owners in both high-risk and moderate-to-low risk areas. The insurance is required for buildings in high-risk areas that have loans from federally regulated or insured lenders. This requirement extends to disaster assistance loans from the Small Business Administration. However, you don't need to have a mortgage or SBA loan or live in a high-risk area to obtain flood insurance. It is available community-wide, with premiums that vary according to the level of risk. In fact, about 25 percent of all flood claims occur in moderate- to low- risk areas, and premiums start as low as $119 per year.
General Program Requirements
Some forms of disaster assistance will require that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for different lengths of time. Refer to those programs to learn their specific requirements. Federal flood insurance, however, is not a disaster assistance program. It is an insurance program established to help property owners to recover more quickly and at less cost. For example, disaster loans have to be repaid along with any other outstanding mortgages; flood insurance payments do not have to be repaid. Flood insurance is available to property owners and renters, even if they have had a claim before, as long as they live in a participating community.
Application Process
To apply for this program please contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm.
Program Contact Information
Your community maintains a repository of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that you can view to determine whether your property is located in a high-risk or a moderate- to low-risk area. These maps are usually available at the planning and zoning department where building permits are obtained. They also may be found online at:
http://msc.fema.gov

If you still have questions after obtaining your flood hazard zone, you may call a FEMA mapping specialist toll free at:
1-877-336-2627

Anyone living in a participating community should consider flood insurance before the next flood occurs. Flood insurance, like other property and casualty coverage, is written by licensed insurance agents. The agent who writes your homeowners or property insurance should be able to assist you in determining your eligibility and coverage options.

For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit:
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/

To learn more about your flood risk and flood insurance options or to locate an agent call
1-888-724-6353 toll free or visit:
http://www.FloodSmart.gov
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov/
Social Security Child's Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Child's Insurance Benefits are paid to a worker's biological child, adopted child or dependent stepchild. In some cases, the child also could be eligible for benefits based on his or her grandparents' or step-grandparents' earnings. To receive this benefit, a child must have the following:
  • Parent(s) who is disabled or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits, or
  • Parent who died after having worked long enough in a job where he or she paid Social Security taxes.
The child must also meet the following requirements:
  • Unmarried
  • Younger than 18 years old, or
  • Must be 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12), or 18 years old or older and disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits are paid to people who meet the following requirements:
  • Have earned enough Social Security credits
  • Are unable to work because of a disability that has lasted or will last for at least 12 months or end in death.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
To view SSA's publication "Understanding the Benefits", visit:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10024.html
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Divorced Spouse Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Divorced Spouse Benefits are paid to divorced spouses of workers who are receiving (or are eligible to receive) Social Security benefits.

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Be at least 62 years old and not currently married
  • Be divorced from a person who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits
  • Have been married to that person for at least 10 years before the date the divorce became final
  • Not be getting a higher Social Security retirement benefit based on your own work.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Mother's or Father's Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Mother's or Father's Insurance Benefits are paid to the surviving spouse or surviving divorced spouse of an insured worker.

To qualify for this benefit program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Be unmarried
  • Meet the marriage duration requirement
  • Have in your care the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled and entitled to child's insurance benefits (for a surviving divorced mother or father the child must be their natural or legally adopted child)
  • Not be entitled to a higher Social Security retirement benefit on your own record
  • Not be entitled to a widow's or widower's benefit.
A surviving divorced mother or father must be finally divorced from the deceased worker.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Parent's Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Parent's Insurance Benefits are paid to the dependent parent of a deceased worker who had earned enough Social Security credits.

To qualify for this benefit program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Be at least age 62
  • Have not married after the deceased worker's death (unless an exception applies)
  • Received at least one-half of your support from the deceased worker at certain points in time
  • Have filed proof of support with the Social Security Administration within the required time limit
  • Are not getting a higher Social Security retirement benefit on your own work record.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
To qualify for the Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Have earned enough Social Security credits
  • Are at least age 62 throughout the first month of entitlement.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Spouse's Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Spouse's Insurance Benefits are paid to the spouse of a worker who receives Social Security Retirement or Disability benefits.

To qualify for this benefit program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Be married for at least one year to someone who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits or be the mother or father of the worker's biological child
  • Be at least 62 years old or under age 62 and caring for a child (under age 16 or disabled) of the retired or disabled worker
  • Not be getting a higher Social Security retirement benefit based on your own work.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Widow(er)'s Insurance Benefits
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Program Description
Social Security Widow(er)'s Insurance Benefits are paid to the widow or widower of a deceased worker who had earned enough work credits.

To qualify for this benefit program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Be at least age 60
  • Be the widow or widower of a fully insured worker
  • Meet the marriage duration requirement.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.

Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For our Publications Home Page, visit:http://www.ssa.gov/pubs
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Unemployment Insurance
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Program Description
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own who meet eligibility requirements established by state laws.  Each state, including the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico has unemployment insurance programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have worked during a specified period, usually in the past 12 to 18 months, and earned a minimum amount of wages as set by each state.  You must also be determined to be unemployed through no fault of your own and meet other state eligibility requirements determined under state law.
Application Process
To apply for this program, visit http://www.servicelocator.org/UI_Filing_Assistance.asp.
Program Contact Information
For information about the state agencies responsible for unemployment claims, visit Career One Stop's website and select the state where you would like to file:http://www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp You can also call:1-866-487-2365 People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:1-877-889-5627
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/
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