White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Residents Affected by WTC Attack Lag in Applying for Aid. Here's How:

From Westchester County Department of Communications:County Executive Andy Spano is concerned that not enough people know about federal aid if they are victims of the WTC attack. As of last Friday, only 206 county residents had called the FEMA registration line to ask for help.

Spano urges residents affected by the World Trade Center disaster to take advantage of federal aid available to help them rebuild their lives.

Residents and small business owners affected by the Sept. 11 attack can get unemployment insurance, help with housing costs and other aid by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration line at 1-800-462-9029.

"The effects of this cowardly act continue to spread. People have lost loved ones. Now some are losing their jobs. Others are in danger of losing their homes because they can't pay the mortgage or rent," said Spano. "I'm concerned that many people haven't asked for the help that is being offered."

Among the key programs available are:

Disaster Unemployment Assistance: This is financial assistance for up to 26 weeks eligibility for the self-employed, business owners or workers who lost their job because of the attack, and to those who are otherwise not eligible for New York State unemployment program benefits. Small business owners are also eligible for this program.

Mortgage and Rental Assistance: These are grants for up to 18 months for those threatened with eviction or foreclosure due to the loss of income due to the World Trade Center attack.

Crisis Counseling: This provides assistance to help victims deal with the trauma brought on by the attacks.

"These are just a few of the programs that are available to help people start rebuilding their lives and livelihoods," said Spano. "I urge them to call. The help is there."

The FEMA toll-free registration line -1-800-462-9029 - is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. People who are speech- or hearing-impaired should call TTY 1-800-462-7585.


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