FROM: FEMA
FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- West Virginians who receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the recent tornadoes and flooding will not pay additional income taxes, see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.
Disaster assistance for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income, FEMA officials said. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.
Eligibility for assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.
Those who have experienced damage from the storms may be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.
