HURRICANE COMMUNITY RESPONSE HELP

Community Resources

Immediate Assistance:

American Red CrossThe Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance to people affected by disaster, such as; shelter, food and water, health and mental health services to address basic human needs.
To locate your local Red Cross Chapter, go to www.redcross.org.

Federal Government Disaster AssistanceThe Federal Government has set up a website that allows people to apply online for disaster assistance.
http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Information and ReferralCall 2-1-1 by simply dialing 2-1-1 from any phone to learn about your local community resources or visit: www.info@211.org.

Disaster Mental Health HotlineCrisis counselors will provide outreach and education services about coping with the emotional difficulties in the aftermath of emergencies such as these call the New JerseyMentalHealthCares’ Disaster Mental Health Helpline (877) 294-HELP (4357) where experienced crisis counselors can be reached. A TTY line is available at (877) 294-4356. Translation services are available, as well.

NJ HELPSFor complete information on all state social services and on-line applications please visithttp://www.njhelps.org.

Veterans Benefits1-800-827-1000 TTY 1-800-829-4833
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Or online at www.va.gov

Help with Your PSE&G BillPrograms are available to help our customers with their utility bills.

The Universal Service Fund (USF) 1-800-510-3102

• Helps make low income customer bills more affordable with a $5 to $150 monthly credit.  USF uses the same application as LIHEAP.

NJ SHARES 1-866-NJSHARES (657-4273)

• Helps moderate income customers not eligible for low income programs with up to $1000 toward their PSE&G bill.

NJ Lifeline 1-800-792-9745

• Helps income eligible seniors and disabled adults with an annual utility credit of $225.

TRUE GRANT 1-855-465-8783

• Helps customers not eligible for low income programs with up to $1500 toward their PSE&G bill.

Salvation Army Red Shield 1-888-302-6100

• Helps military personnel and their families with utility bills.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 1-800-510-3102

• Helps with winter heating and medically necessary cooling. Program opens November 1st to April 30th.

Visit and refer customers to www.pseg.com/help or www.pseg.com/ayuda (Spanish) for more information.

Document Replacement:

NJ Department of Vital Statistics609-292-4087
Can replace marriage, birth, and death certificates.
Visit http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/
Mail Address:
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration
P.O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

NJ Drivers License or IDMust meet NJ Documentation requirements. Visit http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/ to download forms for new registration or driver’s license.

New or Replacement Social Security CardFor information about changing mailing addresses, obtaining a new card, direct deposit, or locating the nearest Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m./ Monday through Friday or go online athttp://www.socialsecurity.gov.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)Storm victims who already receive SSI and SSDI should contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 to learn how checks may be reissued, cards replaced or to report a change in address.

Preserving Wet DocumentsTo preserve family treasures, review this informational link at the National Archiveswww.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html.

Change of AddressA change of address form is available online at http://www.usps.com or at any U.S. Postal Service location. Please be sure when you find permanent housing that your address is current and that FEMA has also been notified if you are expecting assistance.

Consumer Assistance:

NJ Consumers Affairs1-800-242-5846
If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud, or if you want to find out how to avoid fraud when making purchases and paying for services, contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs by telephone at (973) 504-6200 or (800) 242-5846 (toll free, New Jersey only);  or
e-mail: askconsumeraffairs@lps.state.nj.us; or by mail at 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

Legal Services1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529)
Legal Services of New Jersey can assist with civil legal services for low-income people including, housing, family, consumer, public entitlements, education, employment, and health care access. Please visit www.lsnj.org.

Your Rights as a Renter
Rent Abatement and Security DepositsIf you are a tenant and you have been displaced as a result of the storm, you may be entitled to a return of part of the rent you paid if you are unable to live in your home during that period of time. You also may not have to pay your rent for the months after that if you are not able to go back into your apartment. Finally, if you are able to return to your apartment, but it is not completely habitable, you may not have to pay all the rent.
To learn more visit:
http://www.nj211.org/images/Flood/ST%20rent%20abatement%202010.pdf 

Your displacement due to this natural disaster, may also entitle you to have your security deposit returned quickly. A landlord must return your security deposit within five business days if:

• The displacement is cause by fire, flood, condemnation or evacuation; and
• An authorized public official posts the premises with a notice prohibiting occupancy, or
• A building inspector has certified within 48 hours that displacement is expected to continue longer than seven days and has so notified the owner in writing.
  To learn more visit:http://www.nj211.org/images/Flood/ST%20security%202010.pdf

National Flood Insurance Program(Customer Service) 1-800-427-4661
(Existing Policies) 1-800-638-6620

Insurance Complaints and AssistanceNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
Information 1-609-292-5360
Complaints 1-609-292-5316
To learn more go to www.njdobi.org.