FEMA offering help with aid applications; Salvation Army providing support at MARC sites
By Gina Dvorak
Updated: May. 9, 2024 at 1:26 PM CDT
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Federal agencies are working to get financial assistance to Nebraskans working to recover from the April 26 tornadoes.
Authorities with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Internal Revenue Service have posted notices this week about available assistance and other accommodations that have been extended to victims in Douglas and Washington counties.
The aid was released as a result of last week’s disaster declarations from Gov. Jim Pillen and President Biden.
TORNADO RECOVERY
How to help — and find help
Here are ways you can assist those in Nebraska and Iowa who are recovering from tornadoes that hit on Friday, April 26.
FEMA AID
FEMA is encouraging any Nebraska homeowner or renter who suffered damage in the April 25-27 severe storms to apply for federal aid regardless of whether they have insurance.
“FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis,” the agency said in a news release this week.
Those with insurance are advised to file claims as soon as possible and to stay in “close contact” with their insurance agency. FEMA notes that federal aid cannot duplicate losses recovered by insurance claims; but “if your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.”
For help, call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362); visit DisasterAssistance.gov; or download the FEMA app.
FEMA funds, which don’t need to be repaid, can be used for a wide variety of necessities as well as home repairs, including:
- Serious needs including water, food, first aid, fuel, prescriptions, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies, medical equipment, and personal hygiene items.
- Help with housing needs for those who were displaced and can’t return to their homes. Expenses for this category apply whether you’re staying in a hotel or with family and friends while you look for a more permanent place to live.
- Repair or replacement expenses for homes damaged by the disaster, including pre-existing damage to parts of the home where the disaster caused further damage.
- Rental assistance to obtain housing while you are displaced from your home.
- Personal property repair or replacement for items like appliances, furnishings, and computers that were damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, and other items required for school or work, even if you’re self-employed.
- Child care expenses to cover an increased child care expenses caused by the disaster.
- If you don’t have a vehicle you can use, FEMA funds can also be used to help with repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged by the storm.
- Moving and storage expenses to relocate or to prevent additional damage.
FEMA is also providing Disaster Assistance Centers, where victims can get help navigating federal assistance applications. To expedite this help, FEMA urges you to go ahead and apply with FEMA online or by phone if you can before visiting a DAC.
There is a DAC open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice in the Community Room of the Omaha Police Deparment’s Elkhorn precinct, located at 20924 Cumberland Drive.
FEMA will also have a DAC open at First Lutheran Church, located at 2146 Wright St. in Blair, starting Friday from 1-7 p.m.; this center willl then be open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
TORNADO RECOVERY
FEMA canvassing hardest hit areas
FEMA teams are speaking with homeowners and renters, encouraging them to apply with them or do so online.
MARC SERVICES
The Salvation Army is setting up support centers, known as MARC, to help victims as they navigate the aftermath of the tornadoes. Victims can get gift cards, water and snacks, as well as emotional and spiritual care from a Salvation Army social services caseworker at each site:
In Elkhorn, stop by 9301 N. 240th St. from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday May 9, with dinner provided that evening; and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday May 10, with lunch provided at midday.
In Blair, head to the gym at Dana Village, located on the former Dana College Campus, from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday May 15.
Salvation Army will also be at Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch, located at 3935 Highway 133 in Blair, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday May 9-10. At this site, local storm victims can pick up free household goods and yard-clean-up supplies. There will also be a limited number of lunches and dinners available on-site, with several transported to area residents impacted by the recent storms.
In Honey Creek, a MARC will be set up at Mount Crescent Ski Area and will be open Tuesday, May 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The Heartland Hope Mission in Bellevue is hosting a Tornado Relief Center at its West Omaha location at 15555 Industrial Road. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays. Food, clothing, hygiene and baby items, along with pet food, household items and community referrals to other services are available.
HHM is seeking volunteers Saturday between 9 and 11 a.m. at the above location. Volunteers must be age 12 or older with closed-toe shoes. No need to register -- just show up.
IRS RELIEF
The IRS is rolling out tax relief for Nebraskans most impacted by the April 26 storm.
Thursday’s announcement means that taxpayers who live or have a business in Douglas and Washington counties, which were declared federal disaster areas following the tornadoes that hit several areas there, now have until Sept. 3 to file or pay any taxes due.
“If an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original filing, payment or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty,” Thursday’s news release from the IRS states.
The Sept. 3 deadline extension also covers quarterly estimated tax payments due on June 17; and quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on May 1 and July 31. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits that were due April 25-May 10 can also be abated as long as the tax deposits are made by Friday.
Qualified taxpayers also have until Oct. 15 to claim losses on their 2022 tax return. The IRS is also waiving fees and other requirements for any qualified taxpayers making tax document requests.
“Taxpayers should put the assigned FEMA declaration number (4778-DR), in bold letters at the top of Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, as appropriate, and submit it to the IRS.
Most taxpayers residing or who have businesses established in the affected areas will be automatically identified as relief recipients. Others who qualify can call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.
Affected taxpayers should also check their IRAs as they may be eligible to take a “hardship withdrawal” that would forgo the additional 10% early distribution tax and allow for the income to be spread across three years.
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