Northern Tier News

Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) has issued a statement urging residents to remain vigilant in protecting their personal information while clarifying the process for obtaining recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Throughout the course of the day, we’ve been able to talk further with federal and state emergency officials to better clarify the Individual Assistance application process and the type of information residents will be asked to provide in order to receive aid,” Owlett said. “Our goal is always to serve the best interests of the people of Tioga County, and we are especially looking out for those folks who are extra vulnerable due to damage suffered in last month’s flooding.”

Owlett addressed concerns stemming from earlier information provided by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). He emphasized that there are legitimate reasons for FEMA officials to collect Social Security and bank account information. To assist applicants, FEMA has offered several guidelines:

- FEMA representatives never charge a fee or ask for payment.

- FEMA representatives will have a laminated identification badge and, if you have already applied, your FEMA registration number.

- If you wish to begin your application on an electronic or mobile device with the assistance of a Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Team member while they are onsite in your community, you will need to provide your Social Security number as part of the application process. You can provide your banking information if you choose to receive funds via direct deposit.

- An inspector may ask to verify your identity, typically using the last four digits of the applicant’s nine-digit FEMA registration number.

For more information on identifying a FEMA inspector or if there are concerns about potential fraud, residents can call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Representative Clint Owlett

68th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Patricia Hippler

717.772.9846

phippler@pahousegop.com