A Step by Step Process for All Residents and Businesses Affected by the Storm

The very first step is to register with FEMA.

1 800 621-3362 or < a href="http://www.disasterassistance.gov" target="blank">www.disasterassistance.gov

For Hearing Impaired TTY 1-800-462-7585

If you have personal insurance, apply with your insurance company AT THE SAME TIME you register with FEMA. If you have registered with one, but not the other- take care of the undone application now. This is very important for purposes of future reimbursement.

If you have property that must be thrown out- take pictures of it-that is very helpful for increasing your chances of some type of monetary compensation down the road.

The loss of food in your refrigerator is not covered by FEMA, but if you normally get food assistance - you may be able to get some replacement of part of your monthly allotment.

If you have been displaced from your home, IF YOU RENT OR OWN, or will be displaced- you may be eligible for rental assistance- again the first step is to register with FEMA to learn more.

If you have lost wages from the storm you can apply for Disaster Unemployment Insurance, call the NYS Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124. Answer the questions to indicate that you lost your job or income as a direct result of the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Deadline: The application deadline is December 3, 2012.

All impacted businesses should start the process to recoup losses by registering with FEMA. Eventually you may get your assistance from the SBA-small business administration- but the process starts with FEMA.

Businesses, home owners, and non-profits will be able to apply for very low interest loans, with long terms and affordable payment terms if damaged by the storm. This applies to both the physical damage AND economic injury losses.

If you have lost documents that are required for detailed applications there are disaster legal assistance volunteer lawyers who can help you navigate how to get documents replaced.