FEMA representatives have been touring areas of Texas hit by tornadoes and intense storms in recent weeks.
“We’re on the ground and we’re trying to meet people where they are,” said FEMA spokeswoman Nikki Gaskins Campbell. “We have teams going door-to-door in the hardest-hit areas to find out exactly what the needs are and help them register if they really need to register for disaster assistance.”
The storms prompted a federal disaster declaration, which unlocks FEMA programs designed to help state and local governments remove debris and repair infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
In designated counties, it also allows for “individual assistance” to help people get back on their feet.
Where are residents eligible for assistance?
Disaster 4781 covers storm damage dating back to April 26 in more than 20 Texas counties, including Denton, Collin, Cooke, Montague and Henderson counties in North Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday that his request for individual assistance for Austin, Coryell, Dallas, Ellis, Falls, Hockley, Kaufman, León, Navarro and Smith counties remains under review by FEMA.
How should damage be reported?
The state encourages Texans to report storm damage using the State of Texas Individual Assessment Tool at harm.tdem.texas.gov. Those reports help determine whether areas meet thresholds for federal disaster assistance.
As officials document damage, additional counties could be added to those eligible for assistance.
Anyone who has suffered damage should document it by taking photographs, keeping receipts and notifying their county emergency management officials.
What is eligible for reimbursement?
Residents can get help repairing storm damage to their homes without insurance, and a host of other costs are potentially eligible for reimbursement through FEMA programs, from a chainsaw to cut down fallen trees to a generator to keep medical equipment in working order.
People who qualify for FEMA assistance can get money for water, food, prescriptions, baby formula, diapers and other items.
FEMA also provides funds to pay for hotel rooms or cover rent if a disaster prevents someone from staying in their own home. Individuals can seek financing to cover child care expenses incurred due to a disaster and to repair or replace damaged vehicles.
The cost of moving and storing personal property may also be covered to prevent further damage.
What is not eligible?
Damage claims involving primary residences are allowed, but vacation homes are not covered.
Damage covered by insurance is also not eligible for FEMA assistance.
“Your insurance will always be your first line of defense,” Campbell said. “FEMA is not going to double the payments.”
FEMA generally has not covered the cost of spoiled food due to a power outage, but there is assistance that can cover essential needs like food.
Like the IRS, any FEMA payment may be subject to audit, and lying on an application for assistance can have consequences.
Manage expectations
Federal disaster assistance is designed to be supplemental, so applicants should manage expectations.
“We are here to help survivors who live in those designated counties and suffered damage to their primary residence as a direct result of the storms,” Campbell said. “But FEMA assistance is usually not enough to cure it.”
Grant amounts can vary widely, but the average is between $5,000 and $8,000. That money does not have to be returned.
How do I sign up for support?
Affected residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the agency’s helpline at 800-621-3362.
“We’re just encouraging people to get to work as quickly as possible so they can try to get on the road to recovery and get back to some sense of normalcy,” Campbell said.
He said applicants will typically receive a response within seven to 14 days and that a FEMA representative may visit the residence to document damage.
Campbell urged people to be wary of bad actors seeking to exploit a terrible situation. A FEMA representative is not going to ask for money, for example.
“We encourage people to be cautious,” Campbell said.
How fast can I get my money?
If all required information is submitted correctly, money can arrive in a matter of days and be delivered via direct deposit or paper check.
Campbell said the goal is to act quickly.
“Our hearts and prayers certainly go out to all the survivors who suffered enormous losses in this disaster,” he said.
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