Disaster Advice for Veterans

If you have a loan guaranteed by the VA and you have recently been in a major natural disaster here is some information on what you can do to ensure that you keep your home and your benefits.

Contact Your Mortgage Company

Contact your lender as soon as possible regarding your loss. However, remember that you are not excused from making your regular monthly loan payments even if your home is not habitable. While speaking with your lender be sure to discuss forbearance or possible extension or modification of your loan if you are unable to make your payments on time. You may want to have your lender explain procedures regarding insurance loss checks and repairs to your property, payment to contractors, etc.

Contact Your Insurance Company or Agent

File insurance loss claims as soon as possible. However, make sure you do not make a hasty settlement on insurance. If your property is damaged but repairable, attempt to get the engineer's office of your local government to make an inspection for structural damage. If possible, get at least two estimates from licensed contractors for cost of repairs or rebuilding. Make sure insurance checks for personal property and living expenses are made payable only to you. Checks for damage to your home should be made payable to you and your mortgage company.

Contact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

To begin the disaster application process by calling FEMA's toll free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. In order to receive the maximum assistance, you must register with FEMA before their deadline expires. You cannot obtain assistance for uninsured losses or damages to your home from the Small Business Administration (SBA) or any other disaster recovery agency if you have not registered with FEMA. Visit the FEMA Website to find out how to register and be sure to check every source for maximum assistance, especially SBA. Do not pay your loan in full before checking with SBA on a loan for the uninsured portion of your loss. Low interest loans, cash grants, and housing assistance may be available from agencies associated with the disaster recovery effort.

Check Other Sources of Help

Remember to check all means of assistance:

• Local offices of the American Legion
• Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
• Other veterans organizations or organizations that can be of assistance for non-members

Change your Address

If you are receiving a monthly benefit check from VA or another source, and you will not be able to receive mail at your regular address, notify your local post office and VA Regional Office of your change of address.

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