Equitable Reserve Association

Natural disasters can shatter people's lives. The Association offers a fraternal benefit to assist members who have been affected by the destruction and help them get back on their feet. If an eligible member suffers property loss as a result of any of the following specific federal or state declared disasters — flood, hurricane, earthquake or tornado — a benefit of up to $500 will be paid to cover out-of-pocket expenses.

"Out-of pocket" expenses means gross expenses incurred less reimbursement from any relief agency or insurer.

This benefit shall in no case exceed $1,000 for any family, regardless of the number of calamities sustained by that family and regardless of the number of benefit members residing in damaged real property or owning the same damaged personal property.

The following regulations shall apply to the Disaster Relief Benefit in addition to the General Rules which apply to all the Fraternal Benefits:

1. A completed application for this benefit, with accompanying loss verification, must be received at the Home Office within 60 days of the date of the disaster damage (must be federal or state declared disaster). Submit to the office of the Secretary.
2. On approval of the Executive Committee, the benefit shall be paid to the owner of the policy when the loss has been sufficiently substantiated.
3. No insured members under the age of 18 are eligible for this benefit.
4. The Disaster Relief Benefit does not include landscaping costs of any type, nor the replacement cost of grass, trees, shrubs, or plants other than farm crops.

The Disaster Relief Benefit does not cover damage resulting from water which enters a basement due to sewer backup or sump pump failure.

The Disaster Relief Application (PDF) is available online in our Member Services section.

All forms are provided in PDF format and will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.