FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe will be closed Thursday Jan. 9 for a National Day of Mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter who died Dec. 29 in his home in Plains, Georgia.

President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Dec.30 calling for federal offices to close Jan. 9 to mark the passing of former President Carter,100, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981. The federal closures will coincide with his funeral scheduled for Jan. 9. 

April 1, 1979, President Carter established the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the dual functions of civil defense and emergency response. Today, FEMA is called on to help its partners reduce their disaster risk, to coordinate federal response efforts to stabilize communities after a disaster, and to help individuals and communities rebuild and become more resilient. 

The Claims Office Helpline also will be closed Jan. 9. The public can leave voice messages on the Helpline at 505.995.7133, and the calls will be returned during regular business hours. The Helpline’s normal hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, Monday through Thursday. 

Hours, locations, and other information for Claims Offices can be found at https://fema.gov/hermits-peak  

Congress recently extended the deadline for starting a claim on the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to March 14, 2025. Those who were impacted should begin a claim as soon as possible.

Compensation through the Claims Office is not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for other federal benefits, including Social Security or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your navigator or the Helpline at 505.995.7133.