While urging residents to remain vigilant in protecting their personal information, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is clarifying what residents should expect when working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials as they seek to obtain recovery assistance.

“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.”

Contrary to information received from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) this morning, there are legitimate reasons for FEMA officials to collect Social Security and bank account information. To help applicants better understand those needs, FEMA has offered the following tips:

• 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. More information on identifying a FEMA inspector can be found here: How to Identify a FEMA Inspector | FEMA.gov (https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-identify-fema-inspector).
• If you are not sure who is taking your information or suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.