SACRAMENTO >> Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance grants do not count as income. Survivors who receive federal disaster assistance as a result of the wildfires will not pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.
Grants for temporary housing, essential home repairs, replacement of personal property or other disaster-related needs do not count as income. Donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.
“We understand the concerns of senior citizens and other survivors and want them to know that disaster assistance will not affect other benefits they may be receiving,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy J. Scranton. “The assistance we provide will not affect taxes or social security. Anyone with questions can call the FEMA helpline or visit one of our disaster recovery centers.”
Disaster recovery centers (DRCs) are open in Calaveras and Lake counties:
The Calaveras County DRC in San Andreas:
891 Mountain Ranch Rd.
San Andreas, CA
Hours of operation until further notice:
Monday — Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Lake County DRC in Middletown:
21256 Washington St.,
Middletown, CA
Hours of operation until further notice:
Tuesday, Sept. 29 — Tuesday, Oct. 6
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information on Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration by calling 800-772-1213 or by visiting www.SocialSecurity.gov.
