U.S. Department of the Treasury
Forms of Assistance without Online Applications
Expand AllCollapse All
Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Program
Show Details
Program Description
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax counseling and assistance to taxpayers whose property has been damaged or lost in a Federally declared disaster area. The following are examples of the types of assistance available:
  • Assistance with filing claims for tax refunds
  • Tax information and assistance
  • Disaster kits containing tax forms and publications to help victims determine the amount of a casualty loss deduction for destroyed property
  • Information on ways to reconstruct destroyed financial records
  • Copies or transcripts of previously filed tax returns free of charge
General Program Requirements
Taxpayers have the option to deduct non-reimbursed casualty losses that occurred in a Federally declared disaster area in the year the disaster occurred or file an amended return and deduct the loss in the year immediately preceding the year the disaster occurred. Taxpayers must use Form 4684 to report a gain or deductible loss from a casualty.

The IRS may postpone tax deadlines to provide extra time to file returns and pay taxes. Interest may decrease for the extensive period of time to file tax returns and pay taxes.
Application Process
This tax relief is automatic for affected taxpayers whose address of record is in a Federally declared disaster area. All other affected taxpayers must self identify for disaster relief by contacting the IRS at 1-866-562-5227.
Program Contact Information
For more information about the program, please visit:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=156138,00.html

Or contact your local Taxpayer Assistance Center:
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html

 For additional information contact:
IRS Tax Forms & Publications
SE:W:CAR:MP:FP, IR-6526
1111 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20224
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of the Treasury http://www.ustreas.gov/
Savings Bond Redemption and Replacement
Show Details
Program Description
Savings Bond Redemption allows bond owners in areas affected by a presidentially-declared disaster to redeem bonds prior to the expiration of the initial 12-month holding period. Approximately 40,000 financial institutions across the country redeem savings bonds. Savings Bond Replacement allows bond holders to request expedited service for the replacement of missing bonds, particularly those destroyed during a disaster.

Savings Bond Redemption and Savings Bond Replacement are not mutually exclusive activities. You may need both types of assistance. Both types of assistance can be requested for the same bond if a bond less than 12 months old was destroyed in a disaster.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have a bond that has been destroyed or live in an area affected by a presidentially-declared disaster.

No evidence of hardship or property damage is also required.
Application Process
For application information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
For more information about the program, please visit:http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/research/indepth/ebonds/res_e_bonds_eereplace.htm
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of the Treasury http://www.ustreas.gov/
The Go Direct® Campaign
Show Details
Program Description
Don't let a disaster come between you and your money. If you receive Federal benefit payments by paper check, switch to direct deposit through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Go Direct® campaign. Direct deposit is safer, easier, and gives people more control over their money. Your money goes straight into a checking or savings account on payment day each month, eliminating the risk of a delayed payment due to hurricanes, tornadoes, wild fires or other disasters.
General Program Requirements
You must currently receive federal checks from any of the following agencies or programs:
  • Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Affairs (Compensation and Pension only)
  • Railroad Retirement Board
  • Office of Personnel Management
There are also two safe, easy electronic payment options to choose from:
  • Direct deposit will allow your Federal benefit payments to go straight into your checking or savings account.
  • The Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card provides a low-cost alternative to paper checks for Federal benefit payments. Cardholders can make retail purchases, pay bills and get cash back.
For information on switching to direct deposit, Direct Express® card features and fees, visit www.GoDirect.org or call 1-800-333-1795.
Application Process
You will need to provide personal information to start an automated direct deposit. Enrollment is sent from Go Direct® to the Federal paying agencies.

Applicants can learn more or sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® over the phone, online or by mail.
Phone: 1-800-333-1795
Online: http://www.godirect.org
Mail: Complete Federal Management Service (FMS) Form 1200 which can be found at http://www.godirect.org, and follow the mailing instructions on the website.
Program Contact Information
For more information about the program, please visit:
http://www.godirect.org
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of the Treasury http://www.ustreas.gov/