Far too many New Jersey residents experienced the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. This Guide, prepared by Patrick Parker Realty, is intended as a reference to those affected by the Superstorm. The victims of Sandy face a wide variety of financial, housing and legal issues, and here we attempt to survey those issues that arise most often. Although this Guide cannot explore all issues completely or touch on every point that may arise, we have made considerable efforts to determine what issues are most relevant to the victims of the Hurricane and its aftermath. Please note that this information is current as of January 1, 2013 but by the time you read this material, the federal, state and county governments may have adopted additional measures to assist victims of Sandy. We realize this Guide cannot answer all of the questions you undoubtedly have in the wake of the Superstorm. Rather, it is intended to identify the issues that many victims will need to consider, and to point you in the right direction. You may need to contact federal, state, city or county officials, local aid organizations, or even seek legal representation in order to obtain more specific information about your individual concerns.

1. A Guide to
Hurricane Sandy Assistance
Offered by Patrick Parker Realty
www.patrickparkerrealty.com

2. A Guide to Hurricane Sandy Assistance
A Special Message from Patrick Parker
Far too many New Jersey residents experienced the Key Contact Quick List
destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.
This Guide, prepared by Patrick Parker Realty, is intended FEMA 1-800-621-FEMA
as a reference to those affected by the Superstorm. The www.DisasterAssistance.gov
victims of Sandy face a wide variety of financial, housing Small Business Assistance/Disaster Loan Applications
and legal issues, and here we attempt to survey those http://www.sba.gov/content/applying-disaster-loan
issues that arise most often. Although this Guide cannot
explore all issues completely or touch on every point that NJ 2-1-1 Hurricane Response and Recover
may arise, we have made considerable efforts to www.nj211.org
determine what issues are most relevant to the victims NJHelps is a free and easy guide for you to determine
of the Hurricane and its aftermath. Please note that this what programs and assistance for which you may be
information is current as of January 1, 2013 but by the eligible.
time you read this material, the federal, state and county
governments may have adopted additional measures to Housing Assistance
assist victims of Sandy. http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/njhope/alliance.html
We realize this Guide cannot answer all of the questions American Red Cross 732-493-9100
you undoubtedly have in the wake of the Superstorm. NJDOE Hotline for Families Displaced 609-292-2070
Rather, it is intended to identify the issues that many For Disability Assistance 1-877-222-3737
victims will need to consider, and to point you in the For Assistance with Pets 1-855-407-4787
right direction. You may need to contact federal, state, Mental Health Hotline 1-800-985-5990 or 211
city or county officials, local aid organizations, or even New Jersey Disaster Legal Services 1-888-541-1900
seek legal representation in order to obtain more specific Additional Resources
information about your individual concerns.

3. FEMA Extends Deadlines
It’s Not Too Late to Apply for Assistance What is an SBA Loan?
Those who suffered losses due to Hurricane Sandy in The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now
New Jersey now have until January 30, 2013 to register offering disaster recovery loans to business owners,
for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency home owners and renters who suffered losses due to
Management Agency, FEMA and the New Jersey Office of Hurricane Sandy. The deadline to apply is January 30.
Emergency Management have announced.
SBA loans help businesses, homeowners and renters
People with storm losses in all counties can register recover by offering a low-interest loan alternative, an
online at www.disasterassistance.gov via smartphone or opportunity to businesses to recoup losses as a result of
tablet at m.fema.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362. power outages and other loss of capital opportunities
regardless of whether the business suffered property
At the request of the state of New Jersey, FEMA damage, and finally, homeowners and renters can apply
extended the registration deadline beyond the original for loans to repair or replace personal property.
60-day window due to the magnitude of the Hurricane
Sandy disaster. Interest rates for SBA loans range from 4.0% to 6.0%,
depending on the availability of non-SBA credit. Interest
rates for home recovery loans range from 1.688% to
APPLY FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE 3.375%, depending on the availability of non-SBA credit.
Each SBA loan program has its own eligibility criteria and
Tips
application process. However, as you prepare to submit
Before You Apply
your paperwork, you will need to gather and prepare
After You Apply
similar documentation. Learn more here.
Rumor Control
Replace Vital Documents For information about the disaster loan process email
USPS Change of Address Online disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call (800) 659-
2955.

4. Appealing a FEMA Ineligibility Letter
Turning That “No” Into a “Yes”
If you have received notice from the Federal Emergency Applicants may appeal the decision if they find
Management Agency (FEMA) that you are ineligible for circumstances have changed from the time they
disaster assistance following Hurricane Sandy you may be registered. They may have discovered additional damage
able to use additional documentation to turn that “no” to their property, or that they need housing help after
into a “yes.” all. Renters may find upon returning that their residences
are unlivable.
“Every applicant has the right to appeal a decision,” said
Federal Coordinating Officer Gregory W. Eaton. “In fact, FEMA understands that circumstances after a disaster
applicants can appeal any FEMA decision. When you do can be fluid and changeable, you have the chance to
so, you are asking us to review your case again, and we report those changes — changes that could make the
will gladly do that.” difference in becoming eligible for disaster assistance.
Applicants who received a letter stating they are Effective appeal letters should follow these procedures:
“ineligible” should read that document carefully. It will In the first paragraph, list the applicant’s full legal name
list some reasons the aid was denied and provide used on the aid application, along with Social Security
instructions on filing an appeal. number and the FEMA case number. Include a personal
phone number as well as a back-up phone number
Some common reasons an applicant may be determined where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a
ineligible include: correct mailing address.
• Insufficient storm-related damage. Write an explanation of events that provides evidence to
• Adequate insurance coverage. support the appeal. Summarize changes in circumstances
• Additional personal or insurance information needed or needs, additional damages to property discovered
to complete the assistance evaluation process. after the registration was filed or higher-than-planned
• Confusion about Social Security numbers, addresses costs for repairs, for example.
or phone numbers.
Include photocopies of receipts for materials and labor as
well as up to three written bids for repair work if those
costs exceed the award amount. Submitting repair
estimates, receipts, statements or invoices helps
applicants lodge effective appeals.
Also keep in mind:
The appeal letter must be submitted within 60 days of
the date on the denial letter — by mail, or by fax at 1-
800-827-8112, or in person at a state/federal Disaster
Recovery Center. Keep a copy of the appeal letter and
supporting documentation as a record.
Information on how and where to file an appeal is
included with denial letters and in the “Help After a
Disaster” booklet that is included with registration
packets.
Disaster Recover Centers
One of the best sources of help with an appeal is your
local Disaster Recover Center. A Disaster Recovery
Center is a readily accessible facility or mobile office
where applicants may go for information about FEMA or
other disaster assistance programs, or for questions
related to your case.
Search for a Disaster Recovery Center

5. How to Apply for an SBA Loan
You Must Register with FEMA First How to appeal an SBA Loan denial?
First, register with FEMA to obtain a FEMA Registration Though criteria for SBA loans are less stringent that bank
Number by calling 1-800-621-3362. loans, denials may still be based on problems with credit
history, or an inability to repay.
Call the SBA Customer Service Center to obtain a loan
application: 1-800-659-2955; You can also email the SBA You have the right to appeal an unfavorable decision.
at disastercustimerservice@sba.gov. Appeals go to the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA).
Visit http://www.sba.gov/oha for more information.
Finally, you can also apply in person at any FEMA Disaster
Recovery Center and receive personal, one-on-one help 1. File your appeal, which is called a “request for
from an SBA representative. To find a location, please reconsideration” by email, fax, mail, or delivery.
contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659- 2. Appeals must be submitted within six months.
2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. If filing by email, send the appeal to ohafilings@sba.gov.
You will need the following information when you apply: Send any communication as an attached document. Note
that some filings emailed to OHA have not been
1. Contact information; successfully transmitted due to the size or content of the
2. Identity information (social security numbers / email. The sender is responsible for ensuring
3. FEMA registration number) transmission. Call 202-401-8200 to confirm receipt.
4. Deed or lease information, if available
5. Insurance information, if applicable: name, address, If filing by fax, OHA’s fax number is (202) 205-7059.
and policy number If filing by mail or delivery, send or drop off appeal to:
6. Financial information (income, creditors’ names,
payments, balances). Docketing Clerk, Office of Hearings and Appeals
Small Business Administration
For more information, visit www.sba.gov/content/fact- 409 Third Street SW, 8th Floor
sheet-homeowners-andrenters Washington DC 20416.

6. Requesting a Tax Assessment Reduction
Are You Eligible for a Tax Reassessment?
Taxes are based on the market value of your property, or First, you need to find out the name of your local tax
some percentage of the value, less any state deductions adjustor. A simple Google Search of the term ‘Tax
or exemptions; the remaining amount is then multiplied Assessor Town Name’ should yield great results. This
by the local millage rate. A millage rate of 7.5, for should also help you find where to address your letter,
example, means you pay $7.50 for every $1,000 of which is generally to your Township.
taxable value; if you had $100,000 in taxable value after
all adjustments were made, you’d pay an annual $750 Second, you should compose a letter requesting a
tax. reassessment due natural disaster citing a New Jersey
Statute that allows for these kinds of contingencies.
Since storm damage to a home can significantly drive Below is a template you can use to write to your Tax
down its value, not just due to the damage to that home, Assessor. Your letter should be specific to your situation.
but also as a result of damage to approximate derelict
properties and the community at large. For example, if a
storm wrecks the roof of a neighboring home, another
VIEW A SAMPLE REASSESSMENT LETTER
home in the community could have its value negatively
impacted. Or if you have invested in a second home in For Your Reference
one of the popular summer rental areas on the shore as Matthew S. Clark, CTA
a means of income or plans for future retirement, the Monmouth County Tax Administrator
demand for your area has plummeted. Phone: (732) 431-7404 | Fax: (732) 409-4890
mclark@co.monmouth.nj.us
So what do you do?
It is worth submitting a letter to your local tax adjustor Monmouth County Board of Taxation
requesting a property tax adjustment as a result of major 1 East Main Street
depreciation to the value of your property. Freehold, NJ 07728

7. The New Housing Shortage
Need Housing?
Residents displaced by Hurricane Sandy are having a hard
time finding a temporary place to live. Thousands of
people are calling real estate offices, looking to rent
apartments or homes.
Real estate agents say there are more people looking for
rentals than units available. Agents are asking sellers to
let displaced people live in their vacant homes.
About 960 rentals are on the market in Monmouth and
Ocean County, according to the Monmouth County
Association of Realtors, but the number is fluid and
probably lower.
Patrick Parker Realty is here to Help
Patrick Parker Realty has dedicated personnel on hand to
take your calls if you have been displaced by Hurricane
Sandy. In addition, with the launch of our new website,
we want you to know about our property search feature
that can email you rentals or homes that meet your
specifications automatically once you register.
Jennifer Pricci, a Highlands resident displaced by Sandy,
was recently placed in a rental unit similar to what she
was already renting, in price and amenities.
“I spoke to many realtors after the storm hit. If it weren’t for Patrick Parker and the diligence of his team I do not
think I would have found a new home so quickly. I really got the sense that his office dropped everything to take
care of me. While juggling so much in the wake of the storm, Patrick Parker Realty helped make this transaction
as smooth as possible taking care of the many peripheral details so that I didn’t have to.”
To register for automatic property email alerts:
1. Go to www.patrickparkerrealty.com and on the top right of the page next to PROPERTY ALERTS click “SIGN-UP”
2. Click on Advanced Search
3. Choose from the dropdown menu what kind of property you’re seeking such as “Single Family Residential” or
“Rentals”
4. You can refine your search by checking boxes in the “Select type…” area
5. Choose the City in which you wish to search
To choose multiple cities hold down “Ctrl” continuously as you make your selections. All cities you select will
highlight. If you make a mistake you can simply unclick the city name but continue to hold the “Ctrl” key
6. Select the county. Hold down “Ctrl” and select Monmouth and Ocean unless you are considering moving outside
the immediate area.
7. Enter your Low Price and Enter your High Price Tip: Disregard Zip
8. Enter desired number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms Tip: Disregard Days Listed
9. Choose how you’d like to Sort your results Tip: For Renters, Disregard Min Sq Ft
10. Click “Next Step >”
11. Complete the registration form by entering your First and Last name, email, phone number, email format, and select
a password to log back into the system so you can save properties and return to them at a later date.
12. Click “Save my Search”
13. You will receive a notice that an email has been sent to the email address you registered for confirmation and
verification instructions. You will also then be brought to a page with your search results. Click “Save Search.”
If you need further assistance with the registration process Contact Us so we can help

8. “Housing Needs” Assistance
FEMA “Individual & Households” Grants How Do I Apply for These Forms of Relief?
The Individuals and Households Grants Program offers Apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling
two forms of assistance for individuals and families who 1-800-621-3362.
experienced property damage in the storm that is not
covered by insurance. You will need the following information when you apply:
1. Social security number. If you do not have one, your
What is “Housing Needs” Assistance?
household still may be eligible for assistance if there
Temporary financial assistance may be available for
is a minor child in the household who is a U.S. citizen
those who rented or owned, in order to rent a place to
with a social security number.
live or a government provided housing unit when rental
2. Current and pre-disaster address and telephone
properties are not available. Generally, emergency
number where you can be reached
rental assistance is available without a prior inspection of
3. Insurance information
the property for two months, and may be extended
4. Total household income
based on a review of the application and inspection. The
5. A description of your losses
maximum duration of assistance is 20 months. Amount
of assistance varies based on geographic location and What Happens After I Apply For Assistance?
size of the rental. You will receive a FEMA application number. FEMA will
also mail you (1) a copy of your application; and (2) a
Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to guide after you apply for relief which will provide you
repair damage to their primary residence caused by the with additional information about the aid.
disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to
make the home safe, sanitary and functional (e.g., FEMA usually grants between one and three months of
payment for a downed tree on the property that does rental assistance at a time. If applying for continued
not affect the safety of the house would not be covered). assistance must provide documentation showing that
If home repairs exceed your FEMA grant allocation, you you are making efforts to obtain permanent housing at
can apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. each recertification.
Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to
replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not
covered by insurance.
To qualify you must show that:
• You have losses in an area that has been declared a
disaster by the President;
• You filed for insurance benefits and the damage to
your property is not covered or your insurance
settlement is insufficient to cover your losses;
• You have a valid Social Security Number;
• The home at issue is in the declared disaster area, and
is where you usually live and where you were living at
the time of the disaster; and
• You are not able to live in your home now, you cannot
get to your home due to the disaster, or your home
requires repairs due to damage caused by the
disaster.
View the Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals &
Households Program
Damages to a secondary or vacation home are not
compensable. However, if you own a secondary home
that is rented or occupied by a family member, you may
be eligible for assistance from the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA).

9. Tax Deductions for Victims
How to Get Catastrophe Tax Deduction
The tax code allows you to deduct a catastrophic loss (or It’s important to document any claims you make. If your
theft) from your income. What’s a catastrophe? The IRS home is wiped out, it’s likely many of your records are as
defines it as “damage, destruction, or loss of property well — in which case, you’ll have to reconstruct records
resulting from an identifiable event that is sudden, of your home’s value. One place to start would be with
unexpected, or unusual.” comparable home values from a database such as
Zillow.com.
If your house was in Sandy’s path, you probably qualify
for a catastrophe deduction If you’re dealing with a particularly large disaster claim,
you might consider getting an appraisal of your home’s
To get a Catastrophe Tax Deduction you must itemize pre- and post-disaster value from a qualified
your deductions. The catastrophic loss deduction is professional. If the IRS challenges your loss, you’ll have
limited to amounts above 10% of your adjusted gross convincing proof on your side.
income — the amount on line 37 of your 1040 form.
Adjusted gross income is your total income, minus More Information
exemptions and certain adjustments, such as traditional
IRA contributions and student loan interest. Internal Revenue Service
irs.gov
Remember that this is not a tax credit, which reduces Disaster resource guide for individuals and businesses
your taxes dollar-for-dollar. It’s a deduction, which Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
reduces your taxable income, which, in turn, reduces Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
your taxes. If you’re in the 25% tax bracket, for example,
a $4,900 deduction would reduce your taxes by $1,225. Insurance Information Institute
iii.org
The deduction is more lucrative if you have no insurance Settling Insurance Claims after a Disaster
— or if insurance refuses to pay. Tax Deductions for Unreimbursed Losses

10. Tax Reprieve for Victims
IRS Grants Tax Reprieve to Sandy Victims
IRS regulations provide that whenever there is a federally
declared disaster the IRS may postpone various tax filing
deadlines for taxpayers in the affected area by as much
as one year. This includes filing income tax returns and
paying taxes due.
Such relief applies to:
• any individual whose principal residence is located in
a covered disaster area.
• any business entity or sole proprietor whose principal
place of business is located in a covered disaster area.
• taxpayers not in the covered disaster area but whose
records necessary to meet an IRS deadline are in such
area.
• any relief worker assisting in a covered disaster area.
• the spouse of an affected taxpayer for purposes of
filing a joint tax return.
• any individual visiting the covered disaster area who
was killed or injured as a result of the disaster.
This relief is automatic — taxpayers need not take any
action to qualify for it other than come within one of the
above categories. The IRS will abate any interest, late-
payment or late-filing penalty that would otherwise
apply.
The IRS has already postponed one deadline for Sandy
victims: It has granted taxpayers and tax preparers
affected by Hurricane Sandy until Nov. 7 to file returns
and accompanying payments normally due Oct. 31.
The IRS also announced that it is in the process of
postponing many more tax deadlines for taxpayers
affected by Hurricane Sandy or otherwise impacted by
the storm that hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern
United States. It will post these announcements on its
Tax Relief In Disaster Situations Web page.
Currently, federal disaster area declarations due to
Hurricane Sandy have been made for multiple counties in
Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Virginia, West Virginia, as well as the District of
Columbia. By visiting the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) website, you can easily find
out if your county has been declared a federal disaster
area.
If you live in the Sandy disaster area and receive a
penalty notice from the IRS, you should call the
telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate
any interest and any late-filing or late-payment penalties
that would otherwise be due.

11. Disclaimer: Patrick Parker Realty makes available this Guide for general purposes
only. It was compiled from numerous sources. Although we intend the information
contained herein to be helpful, we cannot warrant that it is complete, particularly
since circumstances may change after this Guide is disseminated. Also, the Guide is
intended to be general in nature, and does not provide information applicable to any
individual’s unique factual situation. It is thus important to note that this Guide does
not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
Acknowledgements: We acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of those who have
contributed to preparing this resource and bringing it to fruition: Patrick Parker Realty
Brokers, Agents and Partners, Inman News, NJAR, USA Today, The law firm of
McCarter & English, LLP, PHANTOM POWER Marketing, FEMA, SBA, Google Images.
624 Main Street . Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 . Phone: 732.455.5252 . Fax: 732.455.5250
info@patrickparkerrealty.com . www.patrickparkerrealty.com