Severe weather, storms and flooding over the last two months have caused damage throughout Iowa. As a result of the Governor’s Disaster Proclamation for several counties, the state’s Individual Assistance Program may be available to many Iowans.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides up to $5,000 in reimbursements to low-income families who had disaster-related damage to their property. Qualifying families are those at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Under this program, which is administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services, applicants have 45 days from the date of the disaster proclamation to submit a claim. For more information, call 866-434-4692.
Crisis counseling is also available to Iowans affected by recent disasters. For 24/7 disaster crisis counseling, call Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985.
To keep up on the latest disaster news and available help, go to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Web site at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/disasters/disaster_2013.html.