Resource Update: August 23, 2021

IRS Natural Disaster Assistance

The IRS provides important information on how taxpayers and businesses can rebuild records as well as receive disaster relief and emergency assistance after a natural disaster.

For more information, click IRS Disaster Assistance

Federal Natural Disaster Assistance for Veterans

Veterans who have been impacted by a natural disaster, can receive priority service to replace a Separation Document (usually DD Form 214 or equivalent).

To receive priority assistance, complete one of the following documents.

Place the word “Natural Disaster” in the “Comments” section of eVetRecs request, or

In the "Purpose" section of the Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records.

State Natural Disaster Assistance for Veterans

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Veterans' Temporary Assistance (VTA) program stand by to assist with damages incurred during the severe storms across Pennsylvania recently.  VTA is a great resource for eligible veterans with a lack of financial means to make necessary repairs or address other unexpected expenses resulting from the summer storms. 

Please contact your County Office of Veterans Affairs to assist with the application process.

For more information, click on Veterans’ Temporary Assistance Program

Federal Unemployment and Pandemic Benefits Expire

On September 5, 2021 several federal unemployment benefit programs will expire across the country, per federal law. The federal benefit programs that will expire are the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic emergency Unemployment Compensation, $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and the $100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation.

For additional details, click Expiring Pandemic Benefits

Additional public resources and services are available to help individuals find resources and search for employment, health care, social services, food, utilities, child care, housing, debt, and mental health and substance abuse services, as well as other benefits and services, by clicking Resources and Assistance.

FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

For the complete announcement and more details, click FDA Approves COVID Vaccine

Back to school Internet safety tips

As a new school year begins, teachers, administrators, families, and students are adapting to varying situations. Some schools may be back to the classroom, while others may still be in a virtual or hybrid setting. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourages everyone to stay safe while online and avoid being easy targets for online scammers.

Use the following tips and tools to protect your privacy and an unwanted attack. Internet Safety Tips

BBB TIP: Charitable Giving after a natural disaster or tragedy

After a disaster or very public tragedy, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and the families of the victims. Sadly, scammers often take advantage of these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors. In addition, there are often campaigns set up by well-meaning individuals who may not be able to deliver on promised relief activities.

For tips on safe ways to give to charities after a disaster, click Safe Charitable Giving

UMCOR Disaster Giving

UMCOR responds to disasters in the United States and around the world by working with communities and local partners. When a disaster overwhelms a community’s ability to recover on its own, UMCOR provides essential relief supplies and supports long-term rebuilding efforts. While UMCOR is not a first-response organization, it stands ready to accompany communities in need over the long haul of their recovery until a “new normal” is established after a crisis. “Early in and last out” is a guiding principle of UMCOR.

To safely give in support of UMCOR disaster response, relief, and recovery, please click UMCOR Disaster Giving

Hurricane-Related Scams

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency warns users to remain on alert for malicious cyber activity targeting potential disaster victims and charitable donors following a hurricane.

Fraudulent emails—often containing malicious links or attachments—are common after major natural disasters. Exercise caution in handling emails with hurricane-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks. In addition, be wary of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations relating to severe weather events.

For additional information and tips, click Hurricane-related Scams

Federal Trade Commission warns against buying fake vaccination cards

More and more places are requiring proof that you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine or have recently tested negative before giving you access. Scammers see this as an opportunity to profit by selling fake verification tools or products, like fake vaccination cards, certificates, and test results.

For information and advice about how to avoid COVID-19 related scams, click Avoiding COVID Scams