Loans
to Victims of Declared Disasters for Uninsured Property Losses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans to eligible applicants
who have suffered physical property loss as a result of a disaster that
has occurred in an area declared as eligible for assistance by the President
or the SBA. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to repay the loan. Individuals,
small businesses, and charitable and nonprofit organizations are eligible
to apply for assistance. Contact Office of Disaster Assistance, Small Business
Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6734;
{disaster.assistance@sba.gov};
{www.sba.gov/DISASTER}.
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Aid
for Survivors of Law Enforcement Officers
Concerns of Police Survivors, also known as COPS, is a nationwide
non-profit organization that provides resources to assist in the rebuilding
of the lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line
of duty. Programs offered include a national peer support group, counseling
programs, police survivor seminars, parents' retreats, scholarships and
information on state death benefits. Contact Concerns of Police Survivors,
P.O. Box 3199-S. Highway 5, Camdenton, MO 65020; 573-346-4911; Fax: 573-346-1414;
{cops@nationalcops.org};
{www.nationalcops.org}.
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Fund
Established to Aid Victims in the Washington, D.C. area
The Community Foundation of the National Capital Region (CFNCP) provides
grant monies to nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, "The Survivors
Fund" has been established by the CFNCP and will focus on the long-term
education, health, income maintenance and other needs of individual victims
and their families in the Washington, D.C. area. Contact Community Foundation
of the National Capital Region, 1112 16th St., N.W. #340, Washington,
DC 20036; 202-955-5890; {www.cfncr.org}.
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Legal
Aid for New Yorkers in Need
The
Legal Aid Society, the oldest and largest legal services organization
in the New York metro area, is recognized for its free assistance in the
areas of criminal defense, civil legal work and juvenile justice. Legal
matters handled on a pro-bono basis include eviction and housing, benefit
entitlements and disability and class action suits on behalf of homeless
families, welfare recipients, foster children and the elderly poor. Contact
The Legal Aid Society, 90 Church St., New York, NY 10007; 212-577-3300;
{www.legal-aid.org/lasfaq.htm};
{pbath@legal-aid.org}.
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Benefits
Programs for Public Safety Officers
Department Of Justice offers benefits to eligible survivors
of Federal, state, or public safety officers whose death is the direct
and proximate result of a personal (traumatic) injury sustained in the
line of duty. A Public Safety Officer is defined as a person serving a
public agency, with or without compensation, as a law enforcement officer,
firefighter or member of a public rescue squad or ambulance crew. Law
enforcement officers include but are not limited to corrections, probation,
parole and judicial officers. Volunteer firefighters and members of rescue
squads and ambulance crews are covered if they are officially recognized
or members of legally organized volunteer fire, rescue or ambulance departments.
Contact Benefits Office, Public Safety Officer's Benefits Program, Bureau
of Justice Assistance, Washington, DC 20531; 202-307-0635; 888-744-6513;
{www.usdoj.gov}.
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Social
Security Survivors' Benefits
Social Security Administration pays monthly cash benefits to
eligible family members of deceased workers. Survivors eligible for monthly
cash benefits are the following: widows or widowers age 60 or over; surviving
divorced spouses age 60 or over (married to the deceased worker for at
least 10 years); disabled widows, widowers or surviving divorced spouses
ages 50- 59; widows, widowers, or surviving divorced spouses at any age
who have in their care a child under age 16 or disabled and entitled to
benefits on the deceased worker's Social Security record; unmarried children
under age 18, under age 19 and a full time student in elementary or secondary
school, or age 18 or older and under a disability which began before age
22; and dependent parents age 62 and over. Contact your local Social Security
Office or Office of Public Inquiries, Room 4100 Annex, Social Security
Administration, Baltimore, MD 21235; 410-965-2736; 800-772-1213; {www.ssa.gov}.
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Find
Out What Social Security Owes You When You Retire
More importantly, this publication will help you figure out how to qualify
to receive the maximum amount when you retire. Get
a free copy of your "Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement"
today by phone or on the internet. Contact Social Security Administration,
Office of Public Inquiries, 6401 Security Blvd., Room 4-C-5 Annex, Baltimore,
MD 21235; 800-772-1213; {www.ssa.gov}.
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Get
An Estimate of Your Retirement Needs
The seventh annual Retirement Confidence Survey shows that only 36% of
workers have tried to determine how much they'll need to save for retirement.
And of those that tried, 24% still don't know.Get
a free copy of "Get a Ballpark Estimate of Your Retirement Needs"
from American Savings Council, 2121 K St., NW, Suite 600, Washington,
DC 20037; 202-659-0670; {www.asec.org/bpk-comp.htm}.
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10
Questions To Ask When Choosing A Financial Planner
How do they charge, where do I find one, and how do you check out their
background are the kinds of answers you'll find in this free publication
from: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, 1700 Broadway, Suite
2100, Denver, CO 80290; 888-CFP-MARK; {www.cfp-board.org/
index.html}.
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Free
Credit Repair
It always seemed strange to me that if you're in debt enough to need help
with credit repair, why in the world would you spend more money on a credit
repair services? You can do it for free, yourself!Spending
money needlessly is what got you there in the first place. And more importantly,
federal and state regulators have been warning consumers against using
credit counseling companies. Companies, lawyers and others will charge
you $300 to $1000 for something you can do for free.
Here
are some of the free reports you can get from the Federal Trade Commission:
Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be The Best
Knee Deep in Debt
How To Dispute Credit Reporting Errors
How To Deal With Credit Problems
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
For your
copies, contact Public Reference, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222; 877-FTC-HELP; {www.ftc.gov}.
If you don't want to do it ALL yourself, you can ask for FREE HELP. The
following non-profit and government organizations provide free, or low-fee
credit counseling services. You can contact them to find the office nearest
you. Some
of these offices are financed by the bank and credit card industry, who
are biased toward having you pay all your bills without using the bankruptcy
option. So be sure that they explain your bankruptcy options.
National
Foundation for Consumer Credit, 8611 Second Avenue, Suite 100, Silver
Spring, MD 20910; 800-388-2227; Spanish: 800-68AYUNDA; {www.credit.org}.
Free internet credit counseling services from the non-profit organization,
Credit Counseling Center of America, P.O. Box 830489, Richardson,
TX 75083-0489; 800-493-2222; {www.cccamerica.org}.
County Cooperative Extension Service: see your local office.
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Stop
Collection Agency Harassment!
Get free copies of "Credit and Your Consumer Rights" and Fair
Debt Collection" from Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission,
CRC-240, Washington, DC 20580; 877-FTC-HELP; {www.ftc.gov}.
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Get
Free Copies Of Your Credit Report
You can get a free copy of your credit report if:
- you have
been denied credit, insurance, or employment within the last 60 days
- you're
unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days
- you're
on welfare, or
- your report
is inaccurate because of fraud.
Otherwise
they can charge you up to $8 for a copy of your report. For copies of
your report, contact the credit reporting agencies listed in the yellow
pages of your telephone book, or contact the three major national credit
bureaus:
Equifax
PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374; 800-685-1111
Experian (formerly TRW)
PO Box 949, Allen, TX 75013; 888-682-7654
Trans Union
760 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064; 800-916-8800
If you have trouble getting satisfaction from a credit reporting agency
contact: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, CRC-240,
Washington, DC 20580; 877-FTC-HELP; {www.ftc.gov}.
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Free
Books On Your Money
A Consumer's Guide To Mortgage Lock-Ins
A Consumer's Guide To Mortgage Settlement Costs
A Consumer's Guide To Mortgage Refinancing
Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages
Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws
A Guide to Business Credit for Women, Minorities and Small Business
Home Mortgages, Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lending
How To File a Consumer Complaint about a Bank
Keys to Vehicle Leasing
Making Deposits: When Will Your Money Be Available
SHOP: The Card You Pick Can Save You Money
When Your Home Is On the Line: What You Should Know about Home Equity
Lines of Credit
Free from:
Publications Services, MS-127, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System, Washington, DC 20551; 202-452-3244; Fax: 202-728-5886; {www.federalreserve.gov/publications.htm}.
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How
To Get the Cheapest/Best Insurance Policy?
If you are a single female in St. Louis with a 1995 Ford F250 2WD, you
can get a standard auto insurance policy from United Services Automobile
Association for $439, or pay $1698 from American Family Mutual. The rates
for 10 different companies are analyzed by the Missouri Department of
Insurance, P.O. Box 690, Jefferson City, MO 65102; 800-726-7390; {www.insurance.state.mo.us/consumer/index.html}.
A single
person, living in Baltimore looking for comprehensive standard health
benefit plan, can pay $145 a month under a Kaiser HMO, or $191 with a
company called PHN-HMO, Inc. The rates for 15 HMO plans are analyzed by
Maryland Insurance Administration, 525 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202;
800-492-6116.
Company by
company comparisons and individual consultation is available to help you
purchase an insurance policy. Insurance companies have to file all their
rate information with the state government, so analysts at the state insurance
commissioner's office can help find the right plan for you. Contact your
state insurance office to see what they have to offer.
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Free
Help In Writing A Will
Estate planning is not something that people often relish doing, but it
is extremely important. It is difficult enough when a loved one dies,
but then to have to search through papers trying to find information about
insurance, or investments is often too much. When children are involved,
estate planning is essential. Who will take care of the children and how
can you secure their financial future? Your local Cooperative Extension
Service often offers classes or publications on estate planning. The time
to plan ahead is now. Look in the blue pages of your phone book for the
nearest Cooperative Extension office, as they are in almost every
county across the country.
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When
To Call In The Pension Police
You are putting in your years with the company, but you better make sure
you will get what you are due when you retire. Over 42 million workers
and retirees are covered by employer-sponsored pension plans. The Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) keeps an eye on private sector pension
plans and in some instances involving corporate financial distress, may
take over those plans that are not adequately funded. You need to protect
yourself by learning all you can about how your pension works. Every plan
is required to provide a summary explaining how the plan operates, how
to calculate your benefits, and how to file a claim. They even have information
on how divorce decrees affect pensions. The PBGC has several free publications
including Your Guaranteed Pension and Your Pension: Things You Should
Know About Your Pension Plan. For more information, contact the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005; 800-400-7242;
{www.pbgc.gov}.
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Checking
Into Your Retirement Check
Did you work some place twenty years ago that is no longer in business?
What about an old pension fund that was in financial trouble? Don't give
up. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC monitors and sometimes
takes over private sector-defined benefit plans. These are traditional
pensions that promise a specified monthly benefit at retirement. The PBGC
operates a Pension Search Directory to find people who are owed pensions
from the plans PBGC now controls. You can search by name, company worked
for, or by state where the company is/was headquartered. In the last eighteen
months, the directory found 1,400 people owed more that $4 million with
the average benefit being $4,100. There is still $13 million just waiting
to be claimed. For more information, contact Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation, Pension Search Program, 1200 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005;
800-326-LOST; {www.pbgc.gov}.
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Finding
Lost Money
Trying to settle an estate can be very difficult if you aren't sure where
all the bank accounts are, or even if the person owned stock or a safety
deposit box. Every state has an office that collects money that has been
abandoned, forgotten, or left unclaimed, including:
- Savings
and checking account
- Uncashed
payroll or cashiers checks
- Money
orders and travelers checks
- Certificates
of deposit
- Paid up
life insurance policies
- Health
and accident insurance payments
- Stock
and dividends
- And much
more
According
to reports, state agencies across the U.S. may be holding over $8 billion
dollars in abandoned money. Although rules vary from state to state, generally
after two or more years without activity on an account, the bank will
try to contact you. If their efforts fail, the property is considered
abandoned and transferred to the state of your last known address. To
locate funds, contact the unclaimed property office in the state (usually
part of the state treasurer's department) where you or your benefactors
have lived or conducted business. Most state agencies have websites, and
many have searchable databases. You can contact the National Association
of Unclaimed Property Administrators, P.O. Box 7156, Bismarck, ND 58507;
{www.unclaimed.org}.
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Online
Debt Consolidation Program
Debt-Consolidation-Program.com is staffed with professional and certified
credit counselors whose goal is to help you with your financial difficulties
by negotiating with creditors to lower monthly payments, interest rates
and late fees. An application is available at www.debt-consolidation-program.com
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Tax
Relief from the IRS for Individuals and Businesses
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced initial
administrative tax relief for individual and business taxpayers who are
unable to meet their federal tax obligations as a result of being affected
by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The IRS and Treasury Department
are providing relief to all taxpayers- regardless of where they reside-
who were directly affected by the attacks. Eligible candidates include
relief workers, the families of victims of the airplane crashes, taxpayers
whose place of employment is in a disaster area, and taxpayers with records
maintained in a disaster area, and all taxpayers in the five boroughs
of New York City and in Arlington County, Virginia which were declared
disaster areas by the president. For more information contact the Internal
Revenue Service at 800-829-1040; 202-622-4940: {www.irs.gov/relief/index.html}.
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Medical,
Wage Loss and Compensation for Work Related Injury or Death
The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) is a law which provides
benefits for civilian employees of the United States who have suffered
work-related injuries or occupational diseases. These benefits include
payment of medical expenses and compensation for wage loss. FECA also
provides for payment of benefits to dependents of employees who die from
work-related injuries or diseases. Contact U.S. Department of Labor -
Employee Standards Administration; 866-999-3322; {OWCP-Mail@dol-esa.gov};
{www.dol.gov/dol/esa/}.
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Temporary
Cash Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Assistance for needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that
provides a monthly cash grant and medical care to families with children
who have experienced a sudden drop in income due to the loss of a spouse
or job. The amount of the monthly grant depends on the number of people
in your family and any income or savings you have. Contact your local
Adult & Family Services or Department of Human Resources Office located
in the blue pages of your telephone book. Contact OFA (Office of Family
Assistance), Administration for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade
S.W., Washington, DC 20447; {bjmcclure@acf.dhhs.gov};
{www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/}.
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Disability Benefits Brochure
Available Online
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has created an online booklet
to help answer questions regarding the various kinds of disability benefits
available and to assist individuals with the application process. Contact
Social Security Administration, Office of Public Inquiries, 6401 Security
Blvd., Room 4-C-5 Annex, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401 ; 800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778
(TTY) from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., (Mon-Fri); {www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html}.
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Benefits
for New York's Finest
Members of the New York Fraternal Order Of Police and their families are
eligible for a variety of benefits including insurance, survivor's aid,
dental programs, optical plans, college planning, investment programs,
and FREE financial consultations. A special World Trade Center fund has
been set up to increase the benefits for those affected by this disaster.
Contact New York State Fraternal Order Of Police, 911 Police Plaza, Hicksville,
NY 11801; General information: 1-888-697-1367; Membership Benefit; Questions:
516-296-3515; {Email: nysop@nysop.org};
{www.nysop.org}.
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Compensation
for Spouses, Children, and Parents of Deceased Military
Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs will
compensate surviving spouses, children and parents for the death of any
veteran who died because of a service-connected disability, or while in
active military, naval or air service. Monthly rates range from $386 for
one child when no spouse is entitled, from $911 to $2,083 for a surviving
spouse, with $2,229 additional if the surviving spouse is in need of aid
and attendance. A surviving spouse is also entitled to an additional $229
monthly for each child under the age of 18. Monthly rates for parents
range from $5-$445 depending on income and whether the parent of the deceased
is single or married. An additional $239 is payable if the parent is in
need of aid and assistance. Contact Department Of Veterans Affairs, Washington,
DC; 800-827-1000; 202-273-7203; {www.va.gov}.
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Free
Insurance Information
The mission of the Insurance Information Institute is to improve the public's
understanding of insurance -- what it does and how it works. It is recognized
as the primary source of information, analysis and referrals concerning
insurance and answers 50,000 questions from consumers a year. Some questions
relating to the September 11th tragedy from victims' families might include,
"how can I locate a lost insurance policy?" and "how do
I get health benefits if I become unemployed?" The Institute has
set up the National Insurance Consumer Help-line at 1-800-942-4242 (8
a.m.- 8 p.m. EDT) to help with questions from businesses and individuals
about the insurance implications of this tragedy. In addition they will
soon be opening a central information office in New York City. Their web
site also provides the contact numbers for all insurance companies. Contact
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038;
212-346-5500; {www.iii.org}.
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Excused
Absence and Assistance to Federal Employees Affected by the Attacks
The Office of Personnel Management has set policies for those government
workers affected by the September 11th attacks on the Pentagon. Depending
on the situation, some workers can be excused from duty without charge
to leave or loss of pay. Call 202-606-2858 or email payleave@opm.gov.
Workers compensation benefits are available in the case where Federal
employees who were injured or killed in the attacks, with expedited benefits.
For information call 202-606-0788. The President has directed OPM to establish
an emergency leave transfer program to assist employees affected by the
disaster. Employees in an executive agency will be permitted to donate
unused annual leave for transfer to employees who need additional time
off from work without having to use their own paid leave. Forms for donating
and receiving leave are at {www.opm.gov/oca/leave/html/formindex.htm}.
Contact Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington,
D.C. 20415; 202-606-1800; {E-Mail: netmail@opm.gov};
{www.opm.gov}; {www.opm.gov/oca/COMPMEMO/2001/2001-08.htm
(memo from OPM)}.
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Interest-Free
Loans and Grants for Members of The United States Navy
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a private non-profit charitable organization.
It is sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates nearly 250
offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the
world. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society can provide interest-free
loans or grants to members of the Naval Service, eligible family members,
and survivors to help with emergency needs such as: emergency transportation,
funeral expenses, medical/dental bills, food, rent & utilities, disaster
relief assistance, child care expenses, essential bath repairs, and unforeseen
family emergencies.
-MCRS Headquarters, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 801 N. Randolph
Street, Suite 1228, Arlington, VA 22203-1978, Phone: 706-696-4094
-MCRS Bethesda, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 8901 Wisconsin Ave.,
Box 556, Bethesda, MD 20889-5000, Phone: 301-295-1207, e-mail to: Judy
Katzwinkel, katzwink@bthsda.nmcrs.org
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Free
Help Consolidating Your Bills
Consumer Counseling Centers of America Inc. provide free bill consolidation,
credit counseling and debt counseling to all individuals and families
that desire assistance. Contact Consumer Counseling Centers of America
Inc., 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 900 South, Washington, DC 20004;
202-637-4851; {www.consumercounseling.org}.
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Money
For NYC Police Officers & Their Families
The New York City Police Foundation is a non-profit organization established
in 1971 to improve public safety services in New York City and to strengthen
the partnership between the police and the public. The Foundation provides
resources to support special programs in the NYPD that are otherwise not
possible with public funds. The New York City Police Foundation has established
a special fund for police officers injured or killed in the World Trade
Center relief effort. This program will help provide the resources to
meet the financial, physical, and psychological needs of police personnel
and their families as well as emergency needs of the NYPD. Contact NYC
Police Foundation, 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154; 212-751-8170;
Fax: 212-750-7616; {www.nycpolicefoundation.kintera.org}.
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Over
$150,000 from the Government for Public Safety Officers
Police, Firefighters, Rescue Squad, Ambulance Crew
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program will provide a $151,635 death
benefit to the eligible survivors of Federal, State or local public safety
officers whose death is the direct and proximate result of a personal
(traumatic) injury sustained in the line of duty. Effective November 29,
1990, the Act also provides the same benefit to a public safety officer
who has been permanently and totally disabled as the direct result of
a catastrophic personal injury sustained in the line of duty. The spouse
and children of the public safety officer are eligible survivors. The
parents of the public safety officer become eligible if officer is not
survived by a spouse or children. Contact Benefits Office, Public Safety
Officers' Benefits Program, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Washington,
DC 20531; 202-307-0635; 888-SIGNL13; {http://www.usdoj.gov}.
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Cash
Advances from the IRS for Families with Children
If you expect to qualify for the earned income credit in 2001, you may
be able to start getting part of the credit with your pay in 2001, instead
of waiting until you file your 2001 tax return in 2002. This is called
the advance earned income credit or AEIC. To get part of the credit with
your pay, you must expect to have at least one qualifying child, and expect
to meet certain other conditions. To get part of the credit on your paycheck
ask your employer for the 2001 Form W-5, Earned Income Credit Advance
Payment Certificate. If you qualify, complete Form W-5 and give it to
your employer. Your employer will then add the advance earned income credit
to your net pay each pay period you are eligible. Contact Internal Revenue
Service (IRS); 800-829-1040; {www.irs.gov}.
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Loans
and Grants for Elderly Victims
The Administration on Aging, in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
is offering assistance, in the form of SBA loans and Individual Family
Grants (IFG), to older individuals affected by disasters. Individuals
should first register with FEMA to determine eligibility. Contact Administration
on Aging, 300 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4759, Washington, DC 20201;
Name: Irma Tetzloff, Regional Aging Disaster Officer; 202-619-3268; Fax:
202-619-7586; {E-mail: Irma.Tetzloff@AoA.Gov};
{www.aoa.dhhs.gov/disaster/recovery.html}.
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Legal
and Benefits - Free Legal and Financial Help for Widows
Widows Harvest Ministries is a Christian based non-profit service organization
that assists widows in a number of areas. The widows they most typically
help are at least 60 years old, live in an urban/high crime area, own
their own home and lived on a fixed income. Widows Harvest help with providing
friendship; legal, financial and personal counseling; assistance with
utility and medical bills; transportation for groceries and doctors' appointments;
and home maintenance and repairs. Widows Harvest Ministries, P.O. Box
2307, Chattanooga, TN 37409; 423-266-8060; Fax: 423-266-0260; {E-Mail:
info@widows.org}; {www.widows.org}.
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What
About My Investments?
NASD Regulation, Inc., the independent subsidiary of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc., has created a list of contact information
for concerned investors regarding their investments and securities companies
located in the World Trade Center Complex, One Liberty Plaza, and One
and Two World Financial Center. Contact NASD Regulation; 800-334-0668;
{http://www.nasdr.com/special_contacts.htm}.
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Emergency
Loans and Grants for Federal Employees
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) is an emergency
assistance program for civilian federal and postal employees who have
encountered an emergency that was unforeseen and beyond their control.
If this emergency has caused the employee to fall behind in basic living
needs such as shelter costs and utilities, s/he is eligible to apply for
a no-interest emergency loan or grant. FEEA emergency loans and grants
may be provided for death or critical illness in the employee's immediate
family, assistance with travel expenses, and loss of income. Contact FEEA
National Headquarters, 8441 W Bowles Ave. # 200, Littleton, CO 80123;
303-933-7580; Emergency Assistance: 800-323-4140; Fax: 303-933-7587; www.feea.org/emergency.shtml
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Help
From The Taxman
The Internal Revenue Service has established a special toll-free hotline
to assist those taxpayers who were affected by the terrorist attacks.
It was designed to answer any tax questions to help alleviate any worry.
If you have any tax question, you can call the IRS at 866-562-5227
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Free
Money for Families of Navy Personnel
The Navy Mutual Aid Association provides a substantial monetary sum to
designated survivors of members through the tax-advantaged medium of low-cost
life insurance plans. The staff also helps families of deceased members
with the complex procedures necessary to secure the correct amounts of
all federal benefits and allowances to which they are entitled, and the
settlements of insurance claims from all other insurers. Contact Navy
Mutual Aid Association, Henderson Hall, 29 Carpenter Road, Arlington,
VA 22012; 703-278-1329; {www.usmilitary}.
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$30,000
For Victims And Their Families
The Red Cross is offering grants of up to $30,000 to families of people
who died in the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center. Grants
will not be provided to those who died on the airplanes, as they have
already received assistance form the airlines. For more information contact
Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243; Washington, DC 20013; 800-435-7669; {www.redcross.org}.
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Money,
Medical Care and Job Training for Federal Employee Victims
Federal civilian employees who were injured while on duty from the World
Trade Center /Pentagon attacks or subsequent rescue operations are covered
by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. Surviving spouses of Federal
employees and dependent children are also entitled to benefits, as are
rescue workers who have been deputized by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration (FEMA). Federal employees with traumatic injuries are entitled
to up to 45 days of continued pay, and after that can receive up to 75
percent of their salary as long as they are disabled. The compensation
also includes all necessary medical care for the effects of injury and
vocational rehabilitation as needed. Survivors are entitled to between
50 - 75 percent of the deceased employee's pay, based on the number of
dependents. Search and rescue workers, when deputized by FEMA, are entitled
to the same benefits as Federal workers for injuries while involved in
the emergency activities. To Obtain Forms and Filing Claims: 866-999-3322;
New York Claims From WTC; 212-337-2037; Claims Can Be Faxed To: 212-337-2663.
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Up
to $30,000 For New York Victims
The New York Crime Victims Board provides compensation to innocent victims
of crime in a timely, efficient and compassionate manner; funds direct
services to crime victims via a network of community-based programs; and
advocates for the rights and benefits of all innocent victims of crime.
Benefits specific to World Trade Center Attacks: Medical Expenses - no
maximum - for all victims who sustain personal injury as a direct result
of the crime. Burial Expenses - reasonable expenses - no maximum. Essential
Personal Property - items of personal property essential to the health,
welfare or safety of the victim, lost, damaged or destroyed as a direct
result of the crime, to a $500 maximum (of which a maximum of $100 can
be for currency losses) Property losses are limited to victims who sustained
a personal physical injury or those over the age of 60 under the age of
18 or disabled, without regard to physical injury. Loss of Earnings or
Support - to a maximum of $600 weekly and a lifetime maximum of $30,000.
Loss of earnings is paid to victims who have sustained a personal physical
injury as a direct result of the crime and are unable to work due to crime
related disability. Loss of support is paid to a surviving spouse, child
or person dependent upon a homicide victim for his or her principal support.
The New York State Crime Victims Board is represented on site at the following
locations to issue emergency award checks to victims and their families
of the World Trade Center tragedy: Pier 94, 54 Street & 12th Avenue,
Manhattan, NY.
-NYC Crime Victim Board, 55 Hanson Place-10th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217,
718-923-4525
-West Chester County District Attorneys Office, Court House Building 5th
Floor, 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY, 914-995-3358
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Grants
for Burial Expenses Related To Pentagon Disaster
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, VA has established a fund
to aid Northern Virginia families making funeral arrangements for a loved
one. Speak with the funeral directors or pastors about obtaining a grant
from Pentagon Victims' Funeral Fund. Contact Pentagon Victims' Funeral
Fund, 200 North Glebe Rd., Suite 506, Arlington, VA 22203; 703-841-2767;
Fax: 703-524-5028; {Email: webmaster@ccda.net};
{www.ccda.net/}.
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Money
for Rent, Moving Expenses, and Food
World Vision Inc., in partnership with Concerts of Prayer of Greater New
York (COPGNY) has established a fund to aid victims and families. The
fund provides memorial/funeral assistance; emergency needs: places to
stay, moving costs, rent, lease deposits, food, clothing, and other basic
necessities; educational support; as well as grief/trauma counseling.
Contact American Families Assistance Fund, World Vision Inc., Mail stop
207, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716; 888-511-6593; {Email info@worldvision.org};
{www.worldvision.org/worldvision/master.nsf/};
To apply for assistance online:{www.worldvision.org/worldvision/guest.nsf/afafreliefapp}.
Contact Concerts of Prayer Greater New York (COPGNY), 142-10 Sanford Ave.,
Flushing, NY 11355; 718-762-8232; Fax: 718-762-8256; {Email: copiny@aol.com};
{www.copgny.org}.
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Free
Help Applying for Emergency Aid
Safe Horizon, New York City's leading victim assistance organization since
1978, is continuing their mission to provide support, prevent violence,
and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and
communities by responding the special needs of the victims of the World
Trade Center Tragedy. Safe Horizon staff was mobilized to the Family Assistance
Center @ Pier 94 and 54th Street. At the Center, the staff help victims
and relatives apply for emergency compensation to cover immediate expenses
(rent, utilities, groceries) as well as funeral expenses, and long term
counseling. During those same sessions, they also work with individuals
and families to calm them, assist in the grief, and refer them to other
appropriate services. The effort is supported by the NY Crime Victims
Board, and the United Way September 11th Fund. Call toll free number for
location near you. Contact Safe Horizon: 800-621-HOPE; 212-577-7777; {http://www.safehorizon.org/}.
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Thanks
to: Mary
Ann Martello, Editor; Dixie St. John, Director of Research; Jo Ann
Burton, Research; Anna Christenbury, Research; Christyna Copeland,
Research; Angela Davidson, Research; Nancy Gibson, Research; Susan
Harris, Research; Sandy Hendricks, Research; Frances Kingery, Research;
Alex Klapat, Research; Corlyn Krinsky, Research; Elizabeth Leikes,
Research; Elizabeth Lukes, Research; Cindy Price, Research; Connie
Prior, Research; Amanda St. John, Research; Liz Sweeney, Research;
Michelle Thomas, Research; Ed Fioti and Jack Lyons, Web Support;
Karen
Strong, Technical Support; Kim
Mattison, Web Construction
|
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Matthew Lesko/Information USA
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