I've been learning about the benefits FEMA offers to disaster victims.  Currently they are helping those affected by the floods on Kauai, East Honolulu, and waimanalo along witht the volcano.

They offer...
Up to $34,000 in grants for damages not covered by insurance.
Loans for homeowners and businesses at 2% interest.
3 years of flood insurance coverage.
Unemployment benefits due to the disaster for business closures and slowdowns, layoffs, transportation issues, injuries, etc.
Tax assistance

They offer assistance. To most Hawaii Democrat / socialists it may mean benefits. There are no benefits to becoming victims. There is compassion and assistance to help them get back on their feet.

Luckily, I've never had the need to pursue FEMA assistance.  But I've wondered about the process and how long it takes to receive benefits that will help recovery.  I know that they help with shelters and stuff, but I'm more referring to the grants for damages, loans to rebuild, etc.

I'm on a team of FEMA/ATC qualified building inspectors that are available to assist in rapid evaluation of buildings after a disaster.  Teams have been sent out after Katrina, Sandy, Sendai, etc.  I haven't been out yet.  Anyways, my impression was that FEMA seemed pretty well organized and put a lot of time and thought into their disaster recovery plans.  However, the process also struck me of one that takes a long time. 

But I've wondered about the process and how long it takes to receive benefits that will help recovery.

Takes a few days to 2 weeks on average if there are no problems.  Could be longer if its a large disaster where manpower is strained and inspectors have a large caseload and there are other factors like insurances delays/disputes or lost documents. 

Takes a few days to 2 weeks on average if there are no problems.  Could be longer if its a large disaster where manpower is strained and inspectors have a large caseload and there are other factors like insurances delays/disputes or lost documents.

2 weeks?  To get $$$ for stuff like home repairs and cleanup?  I would think it would take that long just to get the damage assessed and reviewed. 

Great if the timeline is shorter as it will help folks get back on their feet quicker.  I just had assumed stuff moved much slower.  It took about a week to get the damage assessment teams to some area of Katrina and Sandy, but those are extreme cases.