New Jersey Victim Assistance

All who need help should seek assistance regardless of immigration status:

FEMA urges people to call them for help, even if they think they may not be qualified for assistance.  Though someone may not be eligible for state or federal programs, it doesn't mean help is not available.  If there is a way to help someone, FEMA will make every effort possible to locate the appropriate agency for them.

Numerous voluntary agencies, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the New Jersey Victims Crime Compensation Board do not have a citizenship requirement for individuals seeking disaster assistance.  To contact any of these agencies use the 1-866-NJ-Crisis number between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Those individuals directly effected by the September 11th attack should call to register for fderal and state assistance regardless of their immigration status.  Disaster recovery experts will determine eligibility on a case by case basis.  The FEMA toll free registration line number is 1-800-462-9029.  Those who are hearing and speech impaired should call TTY, 1-800-462-7585.  Lines are open between 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday.

The State of New Jersey and FEMA are not going to share information about an individual's legal status with any other agency assures, Peter Martinesco, Federal Coordinating Officer.  They want to assure everyone who was affected by the attack feels comfortable asking for assistance.

The new hours are:

Monday Through Sunday

9 am to 3 pm

All requests, inquiries or support needs that may arise between 5 pm and 9 am, should be directed to the State Emergency Operations Center located at NJSP Division Headquarters at 609-882-4201.

1-866-NJ-Crisis

New Jersey Family Assistance Center Directions

Take exit 14-C off the New Jersey Turnpike, follow the Liberty State Park and WTC Family Assistance Center (FAC) signs.

Family Assistance Center Services

1.  New Jersey Banking and Insurance

Determines if insurance coverage exists, contacts insurance companies, explains benefits and policies, and assists with claims.

2.  New Jersey Department of Commerce

Assists businesses hart by the disaster.

3.  Crime Victims Compensation

Because the terrorist attacks occurred in New York, victims or family members are being compensated initially through the New York Crime Victims Board (NYCVB).  Representatives from the New Jersey Violent Crimes Compensation Board (NJVCCB) at the Family Assistance Center help claimants complete the application on-site, explain their benefits, eligibility and forward the paperwork to the proper New York office.  Under the State of New York "Victims of Crime Act,: medical bills, mental health counseling, funeral expenses, lost earnings or support due to injury or loss of life are covered.  In the event the claimant exhausts the NYCVB assistance the NJVCCB would provide additional benefits.

4.  Expedited Death Certificates

Volunteers from the New Jersey Bar Association and lawyers from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office are available to guide families through the legal process of obtaining a death certificate.

5.  Federal Emergency Management Agency

Monetary assistance for rent, mortgage payments, loss of property, transportation, business, or employment as a result of the disaster for eligible applicants.  Telephone registration only at 1-800-462-9029.

6.  Federal Bureau of Investigation

Offers limited emergency travel assistance for surviving family members in need of travel and lodging.

7.  New Jersey Department of Health

Provides advice on related health services and vital statistic information.

8.  Department of Labor

Registration assistance for jobs, job training and temporary disability insurance.  File on site for New Jersey unemployment claims and provide information to file by phone for New York unemployment.

9.  Division of Medical Assistance

Offers guidance on eligibility criteria for medical assistance programs such as Medicaid, New Jersey Family Care and others.

10. Division of Medical Assistance

Offers guidance on eligibility criteria for medical assistance programs such as Medicaid, New Jersey Family Care and others.

11. Division of Motor Vehicles

New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on vehicle registration and driver licenses, transfer of titles, and issuance of replacement documents.

12. The American Red Cross

Assistance with loss of income, rent, utility, mortgage, food, travel and lodging assistance are on site.

13. Social Security

The Social Security Administration provides for on-site filing for Survivors Benefits and Supplemental Security Income.

14. Victims Assistance Office

U.S. Attorney's Office advisors are on site to provide crime victims and their families with information on their rights.  Attorneys are on site to address prosecutorial concerns.

15. Victim-Witness Advocacy

New Jersey Sate Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy assists victims and surviving family members in completing forms, locating available benefits, finding counseling and providing information to schools and employers on behalf of victims.

16. New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs

Advice on eligibility benefits and referral to appropriate agency; provides advice to obtain federal and state benefits.

              11/21/03 03:46:14 AM

Emergency Protective Measures

The Federal Emergency declaration for New Jersey will provide reimbursement for eligible costs as a result of the response to the World Trade Center disaster or other emergency protective measures related to the incident. 

Emergency Protective Measure are actions taken before, during and after a disaster to save lives, protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to improved public and private property.  Emergency protective measures include:  search and rescue, firefighting, emergency medical services, emergency communications, emergency access, emergency public transportation, warning devices, security, shelters and mass care, the provision of food, water and medicines, activation of Emergency Operation Centers (EOC's).

Eligible applicants will include State and local government agencies and certain private non-profit organizations.

This emergency declaration establishes that the federal governments will pay for 100 percent of overtime, non-scheduled hours incurred and other eligible expenses.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide "Economic Injury Disaster Loans" to eligible small businesses that are unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses due to the explosions and fires at the WTC.  The eligible counties in New Jersey are Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic, Sussex and Union.  The loan amount can be up to $.500,000 with interest rates as low as four percent and terms up to 30 years.  Disaster loans are based on an applicant's ability to repay and satisfactory credit history.

The SBA's toll free number is 1-800-659-2955 (FRS 1-800-877-8339 for the speech or hearing impaired) to begin the loan application process.

Other Off Site Services

Public Safety Benefits Program

Families of Federal, state or local public safety officers killed or injured in the line of duty can apply for assistance, (888) 744-6513.  New York firefighters (718)999-2541.  New York Police Officers (212)741-4626.