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Social Security Check payment dates. Free resources for Government, Federal grants, aid, help, loans, disaster assistance, unemployment benefits, Medicaid, obamacare, affordable care. **Beware of scams and free federal grant money**
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
ASPR's Biweekly News Roundup - June 17, 2021
Social Security Administration Weekly Digest Bulletin
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Tuesday, June 15, 2021
FEMA Declared Disaster – West Virginia (DR-4605-WV) Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo, Wayne counties
FEMA issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the West Virginia Severe Storms and Flooding events with an incident start date of February 27, 2021 and an incident end date of March 4, 2021.
Under the FEMA Declaration, the following four (4) counties have been designated for Individual Assistance due to the impact of the disaster:
- Cabell
- Kanawha
- Mingo
- Wayne
Effective immediately, in accordance with agency and investor requirements, NewRez will implement the following inspection requirements for loans secured by properties located in the counties identified above.
If the effective date of the appraisal or appraisal alternative was on or prior to the March 4, 2021 incident end date, an inspection is required prior to closing or funding of the loan in accordance with the Wholesale Disaster Policy. Additional requirements may be required depending on the product type.
A loan condition requiring a property inspection will be automatically added to pipeline loans that may be impacted by this disaster declaration.
Individuals and households in these designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Apply for assistance, or learn more about the Individual Assistance program.
- Cabell (County)
- Kanawha (County)
- Mingo (County)
- Wayne (County)
Thursday, June 10, 2021
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Louisiana
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 17-21, 2021.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Lafayette parishes. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
John E. Long has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
Louisiana Survivors Affected by May Flooding Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance. Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Lafayette.
Louisiana homeowners and renters affected by the May severe storms, tornadoes and flooding who live in parishes that have recently been designated for Individual Assistance could be eligible for help from FEMA.
The parishes are:Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Lafayette.
If you have homeowners or renter’s insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.
The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov/.
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
United States Announces Humanitarian Assistance for the People of the West Bank and Gaza
Today, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced that the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing $15 million in humanitarian assistance to support some of the most vulnerable communities in the West Bank and Gaza.
United States Announces Additional Assistance for Palestinians
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing $75 million in assistance to communities in the West Bank and Gaza to meet basic needs, re-engage Palestinian society, and support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID is also providing $10 million for peacebuilding programs, including between Israelis and Palestinians. This assistance, subject to Congressional approval, is part of a larger U.S. government effort to support a lasting and sustainable peace for the people of the region through a two-state solution. This assistance follows USAID’s earlier announcement of $15 million in humanitarian assistance funding to support the West Bank and Gaza’s vulnerable communities
USAID'S INVESTMENT IN THE WATER SECTOR WEST BANK GAZA
USAID's work in the water sector over the past twenty years has increased supply and improved management of scarce water resources. Since 2000, USAID has invested more than $300 million on water and wastewater projects in the West Bank and Gaza.
USAID is the principal U.S. government agency that administers the United States’ foreign assistance program in the West Bank and Gaza. The goal of our programs is the achievement of a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while addressing the aspirations of Palestinians for economic opportunity, effective governance, youth development, and humanitarian needs. USAID activities strengthen the accountability of public sector institutions; improve modern education and health approaches; target key infrastructure needs in water, wastewater treatment and sanitation, and road networks; build private sector-led development, investment, and employment growth; and expand the capacity to respond to critical humanitarian assistance needs in Gaza. These efforts help build a more democratic, stable, and secure region benefiting Palestinians, Israelis,
https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/videos/usaids-investment-water-sector-west-bank-gaza
FEMA’s Funeral Assistance Program Scams beware alert warning
Will FEMA contact me to ask for personal information to register?
FEMA’s Funeral Assistance Program has controls in place to mitigate fraudulent activity. FEMA will not contact anyone until they have called FEMA or have applied for assistance. Do not disclose information such as the name, birth date or social security number of any deceased family member to any unsolicited telephone calls or e-mails from anyone claiming to be a federal employee or from FEMA.
alert - warning
If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the National Center for Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies.
Beware: Scammers target COVID-19 victims in plot to steal FEMA funeral reimbursement money
FEMA launched a program to help those that lost loved ones to COVID-19 by reimbursing you for funeral costs. Since launching, thousands of people have applied by calling the dedicated toll-free number and completing the application with help from FEMA representatives.
Scammers are capitalizing on that by making calls to people pretending to be with the FEMA program.
If you have any doubt about the caller, FEMA says to hang up and make the call directly to FEMA yourself. Besides scam calls, you also have to beware of fraudulent emails making the same claim.
Sharing for public awareness. Courtesy https://abc11.com/covid-19-scam-funeral-fema-money-reimbursement/10723745/
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
FEMA is now accepting applications for funeral expenses paid after January 20, 2020 for deaths caused by COVID-19
FEMA is now accepting applications for funeral expenses paid after January 20, 2020 for deaths caused by COVID-19. We are only accepting applications by phone. Online applications are not accepted.
You may visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for information about the program. After you read this information and gather the necessary documents, call 1-844-684-6333 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) to apply for this assistance. Call this number also for help with ALL other questions or concerns about COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.The phone line is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
If you use a relay service (a videophone, InnoCaption, CapTel, etc.), please provide your number assigned to that service. FEMA must be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from an unidentified number.
Please do not call the normal FEMA Helpline for help with COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. They will ask you to call the direct funeral assistance number.
At this time, there is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.
If you would like to volunteer your services or time in support of COVID-19, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster For information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccines page. You may also dial 2-1-1 for the United Way or visit 211.org
Courtesy
FEMA Urges Hawaii Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Season
With hurricane season fast approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its National Flood Insurance Program advise Hawaii residents to prepare now for hurricane-related storms and flooding.
The 2021 Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. This year, the National Weather Service predicts that there may be between two and five tropical storms and hurricanes in the Central Pacific. While this forecast represents fewer storms, it does not predict hurricane landfalls. Even a glancing blow from a hurricane or a significant rain system that passes over land, saturated by previous storms, can trigger a major mudslide and cause significant structural damage.
Courtesy: https://bigislandnow.com/2021/05/23/fema-urges-hawaii-residents-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season/
Biden-Harris Administration Delivers Emergency COVID-19 Assistance for India
Reflecting the United States’ solidarity with India as it battles a new wave of COVID-19 cases, the United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India. In addition, U.S. state governments, private companies, non-government organizations, and thousands of Americans from across the country have mobilized to deliver vital oxygen, related equipment, and essential supplies for Indian hospitals to support frontline health care workers and the people of India most affected during the current outbreak. U.S. Government assistance flights will start arriving in India on Thursday, April 29 and will continue into next week.
Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need.Monday, May 24, 2021
USAID, United States of America (USA) covid help to India : 150 Pressure Swing Adsorption oxygen generating plants
Through USAID, the U.S. Government is delivering on our promise to stand with the people of India as they fight a devastating second-wave of COVID-19.
USAID will also support the Government of India’s efforts to stand up 150 Pressure Swing Adsorption oxygen generating plants, allowing 150 healthcare facilities to generate their own oxygen.
United States USA Covid assistance, grant help to India
UNITED STATES DELIVERS SIX PLANES TO INDIA WITH EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO COMBAT COVID-19 SURGE
- 20,000 courses of remdesivir (125,000 vials) to help treat critically ill patients.
- Nearly 1,500 oxygen cylinders to address India’s critical oxygen shortage, which can be repeatedly refilled at local supply centers.
- Nearly 550 mobile oxygen concentrators that obtain oxygen from ambient air. These units have a lifespan of more than five years and can serve multiple patients at once, depending on their oxygen needs.
- One million rapid diagnostic tests to quickly identify COVID-19 cases and prevent community spread.
- Nearly 2.5 million N95 masks to protect health care professionals and other frontline workers.
- A large-scale Deployable Oxygen Concentration System that can provide oxygen to treat 20 or more patients at a time.
- 210 pulse oximeters to measure oxygen levels in a patient’s blood to determine whether a higher level of care is needed. Courtesy USAID
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP)
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP)
ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. ELAP assistance is provided for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, such as losses not covered by the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).
USDA offers a variety of programs and services to help communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses that have been hard hit by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Maria and other natural disaster events. To find out how USDA can further assist you, visit USDA’s Storm Disaster Page.
American Rescue Plan Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Debt Payments
USDA recognizes that socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers have faced systemic discrimination with cumulative effects that have, among other consequences, led to a substantial loss in the number of socially disadvantaged producers, reduced the amount of farmland they control, and contributed to a cycle of debt that was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, socially disadvantaged communities saw a disproportionate amount of COVID-19 infection rates, loss of property, hospitalizations, death, and economic hurt.
To address these systemic challenges, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides historic debt relief to socially disadvantaged producers including Black/African American, American Indian or Alaskan native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian American or Pacific Islander.
More Information
In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
To learn more about USDA’s work to implement the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, visit www.usda.gov/arp.
To address these systemic challenges, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides historic debt relief to socially disadvantaged producers including Black/African American, American Indian or Alaskan native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian American or Pacific Islander.
Details at
More Information
In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
To learn more about USDA’s work to implement the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, visit www.usda.gov/arp.
Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers
While FSA is committed to serving all farmers and ranchers, by statute, FSA targets a portion of all Guaranteed loan funds, Direct Operating and Direct Farm Ownership loan funds, Microloan funding, and Youth loans, to historically underserved farmers and ranchers, which include:
- Women
- African-Americans
- Alaskan Natives
- American Indians
- Hispanic
- Asian
- Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Alabama Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Tornadoes: Federal Disaster Assistance
Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by this disaster.
Click below to apply
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Individuals and households in these designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Apply for assistance, or learn more about the Individual Assistance program.
- Bibb (County)
- Calhoun (County)
- Clay (County)
- Hale (County)
- Jefferson (County)
- Perry (County)
- Randolph (County)
- Shelby (County)
Visit fema.gov for more details
Apply for Crop Disaster Assistance
Eligible producers must apply for coverage of non-insurable crops using Form CCC-471, "Application for Coverage", and pay the applicable service fees at their local FSA office. The application and service fees must be filed by the application closing date as established by the producer's FSA state committee.
Who is eligible for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?
Who is eligible for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?
An eligible producer is a landowner, tenant or sharecropper who shares in the risk of producing an eligible crop and is entitled to an ownership share of that crop. As authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), an individual's or entity's average adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation cannot exceed $900,000 to be eligible for NAP.
Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodity crops for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available and be any of the following:
- Crops grown for food;
- Crops planted and grown for livestock consumption, including, but not limited to grain and forage crops, including native forage;
- Crops grown for fiber, such as cotton and flax (except for trees);
- Crops grown in a controlled environment, such as mushrooms and floriculture;
- Specialty crops, such as honey and maple sap;
- Value loss crops, such as aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, ornamental nursery and turfgrass sod;
- Sea oats and sea grass and;
- Seed crops where the propagation stock is produced for sale as seed stock for other eligible NAP crop production.
NAP provides coverage equal to 50% of the approved yield and 55% of the average market price. Additional buy-up coverage is available in increments between 50% of the approved yield up to as much as 65% of the approved yield and 100% of the average market price. Under the buy-up coverage, producers may choose to elect the Historical Marketing Percentage Option and/or the Direct Market Option. Producers may also elect the organic average market price for eligible crops under both the 50/55% coverage level and the buy-up coverage.
Producers must contact a crop insurance agent for questions regarding insurability of a crop in their county.
For further information on whether a crop is eligible for NAP coverage, producers must contact the FSA county office where their farm records are maintained.
An eligible natural disaster is any of the following:
- Damaging weather, such as drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture, excessive wind or hurricanes;
- An adverse natural occurrence, such as earthquake or flood; A condition related to damaging weather or an adverse natural occurrence, such as excessive heat, plant disease, volcanic smog (VOG), insect infestation or;
- Any combination of these conditions.
The natural disaster must occur during the coverage period, before or during harvest and must directly affect the eligible crop.
How do I apply for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?
Eligible producers must apply for coverage of non-insurable crops using Form CCC-471, "Application for Coverage", and pay the applicable service fees at their local FSA office. The application and service fees must be filed by the application closing date as established by the producer's FSA state committee.
Courtesy benefits.gov program website.
What is Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to a natural disaster.
Courtesy benefits.gov
Check out
Who is eligible for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?
Crop Insurance. Who is eligible for Crop Insurance? Find your Local Crop Insurance Provider.
Crop Insurance protects agricultural producers against crop losses resulting from natural causes. The program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA), offers several different plans for crops and livestock. Availability of these crop policy plans varies by state and county.
Who is eligible for Crop Insurance?
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be an agricultural farmer or rancher.
You can learn about Crop Insurance and for more information about the Crop Insurance Program and to find insurance plans available in your area, please visit the USDA's Risk Management Agency website.
Click here to Find your local crop insurance provider
courtesy benefits.gov website
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