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DISASTER ASSISTANCE A variety of volunteer organization and government assistance is available after a disaster. Recovering from a disaster is difficult and expensive. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a community will get Federal assistance after a disaster. Austin and Travis County have received six Presidential Disaster Declarations after the 1981, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2002 floods. There are different kinds of assistance available to individuals and communities after a disaster: Direct assistance to individuals There are many voluntary disaster recovery organizations and government social service agencies that mobilize to provide food, shelter, supplies, crisis counseling, and cleanup assistance. Federal assistance Low-interest loans and grants for individuals, businesses and farmers. Veterans benefits such as, death benefits, pensions, insurance settlements and adjustments to home mortgages for veterans. Tax Refunds: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows certain casualty losses to be deducted on Federal income tax returns for the year of the loss or through an immediate amendment to the previous year's return. Excise Tax Relief for businesses that file a claim with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for payment of Federal excise taxes paid on alcoholic beverages or tobacco products lost, rendered unmarketable or condemned by a duly authorized official under various circumstances. Disaster unemployment assistance and unemployment insurance benefits may be available through the state unemployment office and supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. Crisis counseling to help relieve any grieving, stress, or mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster or its aftermath. Free legal advice for low-income individuals regarding cases that will not produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid part of the settlement which is awarded by the court). Cases that may generate a fee are turned over to the local lawyer referral service. Public assistance to local governments and organizations These grants allow agencies to respond to disasters, recover from their impact, repair infrastructure, and to mitigate impact from future disasters.