FACT is an association of consumers, formed under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the District of Columbia in 1984. The association currently furnishes more than 20 benefits -- ranging from dental care discounts and medical insurance to prescription drug discounts and college scholarships -- to some 1,000,000 consumers nationwide.
Through a special arrangement with the Council for Disaster Assistance (CDA), FACT provides up to $250 for those who are affected by a natural or terrorist disaster. FACT's goal is to help its members get through those first few crucial days following a hurricane, tornado, flood, fire or other disastrous event when, all too often, no other source of help can be found.
In order to facilitate prompt payment, FACT forgoes the normal claim forms and long lines. Members need only give FACT their word that they were impacted by a disaster and really need help.
The association emphasizes that this Program does not represent insurance. Benefits are paid at the discretion of the Disaster Aid Committee up to the extent of available funds.
FACT's Managing Director, Vicki Rolens, says: “We urge our members to contact us just as soon asthey can get to a working computer or telephone ... we’ll do everything we can to get money into the hands of those who need it as quickly as possible."
Questions about the Disaster Aid Program may be directed to FACT at 1-800-USA-FACT or cservice@usafact.org. More information on the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers may be found in the Encyclopedia of Associations, and by visiting the association's web site (http://www.usafact.org). The organization’
The Disaster Aid Program is not insurance. Payments are charitable in nature and are disbursed at the discretion of the Disaster Aid Committee, and as funds allow.
