The United States Government offers natural disaster relief options for homeowners affected by natural disasters. Disaster assistance comes in a few different forms, including loans for home repairs, utility bills and property tax relief.
To help you learn more about the kind of financial assistance available after a major disaster, here is a short guide with the basics:
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a program for homeowners who need financial help buying a new home or repairing their existing home. As long as the home is your primary residence, you might be eligible for an insured mortgage through the FHA.
These mortgages have zero down payments, but come with all the usual closing costs and prepaid costs of other mortgages.
Even if your home does not sustain significant damage in a natural disaster, such scenarios can make it difficult to afford utility repairs and expenses. Disaster relief funding available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and can be used to pay your utility bills, reconnect utilities and repair or replace components like furnaces or air conditioners.
Disaster situations may also come with tax relief. Both homeowners and businesses are eligible to file an amended tax return if they reside in a federally designated disaster area. The Internal Revenue Service also offers the option to file for an extension after a disaster.
These are a few of the disaster assistance programs offered by the U.S. federal government. Other forms of disaster relief might be available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and can help you recover financially from a wide variety of hazards.
Lind Risden specializes in Martin and St Lucie County real estate, including Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, and Port St Lucie, Florida. A member of the Gratulate of Realtor Institute (GRI) she offers 40+ years of sales experience. Additional degrees she holds are Military Realty Professional (MRP), & Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES).
Her standards are high, integrity foremost. She is recognized within the community as a full-time, dedicated, skilled, and savvy Realtor. Her superior negotiating skills provide OUTSTANDING RESULTS for all of her customers. It is not a job to Linda, it is her passion for helping people find just the right home.