FEMA approves $2 million to aid Queens

Federal aid is on the way for more than a thousand Queens homeowners who applied for help.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $2 million for Queens residents since the county qualified for federal aid last month. Queens was declared a disaster area, allowing individual residents, business owners and non-profits to apply for reimbursement from necessary expenses and compensation from repairs.

The amount approved for individual assistance totaled to $2,051,421, according to FEMA.

The funds may be used to assist residents in finding temporary housing, repairing their damaged homes and vehicles not covered by insurance and replacing personal property — including household items like room furnishings and appliances. The federal aid also covered disaster-related medical and dental costs.

FEMA has received 1,497 applications in Queens so far.

Statewide, FEMA has approved $68,397,939 and has received 35,000 applications.

To register for housing assistance or for more information, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov. Be sure to have your social security number and insurance information. Queens homeowners have until October 31 to register.