Western Alaska Fisheries Disaster

(907) 428-6031

The number to call for information about the program is 1-888-388-3473. This is the only number directly to the Disaster office. Calling any other numbers may result in a delay for receiving assistance.

This helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8am – 7pm.

Although several workers are answering the helpline, there are times when all lines are busy. The best times to call are during the non-peak hours of 12:00 – 1:00 pm or after 4:00 pm.

The application deadline was April 20, 1999. However, if you were unable to apply by the deadline, you may still call the helpline to file a late application for assistance. Late applications may be filed until August 20, 1999. All late applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with approval based on the applicant’s documentation supporting their reasons for late filing.

Each applicant will be sent a packet of forms to complete based on their application status (commercial fisher, cannery worker, subsistence fisher of program declared areas, etc.). If you received unreadable copies or need assistance completing the forms you received you can call the helpline for assistance.

You may either fax or mail the information to the Disaster office. In either case, all information should be sent at one time to ensure nothing is misplaced. Applications will not be processed until ALL information is received.

• The fax number (where all disaster information should be faxed) is 1-800-478-9525. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2// More Disaster Assistance Questions Answered . . .

• If mailing forms and documents, applicants should send copies only, not originals. This information will not be returned to the applicant. A return addressed envelope is sent to each applicant with their assistance information packet. Also, applicants should check the postage weight of the envelope to ensure proper postage. Envelopes with insufficient postage may be returned causing a delay in the assistance.

The deadline to return the requested information to the reviewers is 21 days from the date on the letter sent to you. If for some reason, you cannot comply with this deadline, you must call your caseworker, explain the reason for the delay and request a limited time extension.

Pre-approval letters were sent to applicants who met the initial eligibility criteria. These letters are not guarantees of approval. The applicant still must provide the requested information before a final determination can be made. Applicants may be denied assistance if they do not meet all criteria for approval.

Applicants will receive a final approval letter with the selected authorized vendors noted and the portion of the award amount assigned to each once the application is processed and approved. Funds will not be disbursed to the vendors until this process is complete.

Disaster funds must be used by December 31, 1999. After that date, unused funds will be returned to the EDA program.

Vendors selected by applicants do not have to be local. Any vendors of authorized services, regardless of location, may be selected. Disaster Assistance reviewers will contact the vendors to determine if they are willing to participate in the program.

? If I change my mind later about my vendor choices, can I have my assistance moved to a different vendor?

No. Selection of vendors by the applicant is final; no changes will be authorized.

"FEMA Control Number" is the same as the "FEDA Control #" found on the top of the letter to the applicant.

This form must be completed and returned unless you have your 1099 Tax Form or a W2 from the place of business. If using the verification form, it must be notarized before submitting it to the disaster assistance office.

Since this is a Federal Disaster Assistance program, eligibility is subject to the Federal Poverty Guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Each applicant is sent a "Guide for Computing Your 1998 Income for the Emergency Disaster Assistance Program." The eligibility for this program is dependent on income as specified by these guidelines. Unverified income is grounds for denial of this disaster assistance.

Family members are all those persons listed as dependants on the applicant’s Federal Income Tax form, or defined as a cohabitating couple and their combined dependants.

If anyone is having trouble finding information to verify their income, they should call the disaster helpline for assistance.

All updated information and the regulations for the program are posted on the Fisheries Disaster website: www.ak-prepared.com/wafd. Updates and information about the program are also periodically sent to the city offices of those communities involved in the Western Alaska Fisheries Disaster.

www.ak-prepared.com/wafd

Quyumta Ikayurluki Nunamta Yui