Today FEMA sent the following information to KTRH News:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be offering assistance to residents affected by Tropical Storm Imelda. FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance (IA) comes in a variety of forms for home owners, certain types of renters, and businesses in Harris County. The application to apply for assistance is open October 05, 2019 and February 28, 2021.
What kind of help can I get from FEMA?
• Home/Primary Residence:
o FEMA provides assistance to individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster.
o If you are a renter or homeowner you may qualify for assistance.
o FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.
o FEMA does not offer assistance for secondary homes.
• Business:
o FEMA partners with the Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers low interest loans for business damages.
o Learn more about the business loan application process.
• Other Needs Assistance:
o We offer disaster assistance for some of your other disaster-caused expenses including, medical and dental, child care, funeral and burial, essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle, and some clean-up items.
How do I apply?
o Type in your address to see what kind of aid is available in your area.
• Apply In-Person
o Visit one of our Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) or Local Recovery Centers (LRCs) to work with a FEMA representative to complete your application.
Kingwood United Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hills Drive, Rm K 105, Kingwood, TX 77339. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Crosby Community Center, 409 Hare Road, Crosby, TX 77532. Saturday 10/5/19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
IT May Community Center, 2100 Wolf Road, Huffman, TX 77336. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
CSD Jensen, 9418 Jensen Dr.. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• You'll need the following to complete the application process:
o Social Security Number (SSN) OR the SSN of a minor child in the household who is a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National or Qualified Alien.
o Annual Household Income
o Contact Information (phone number, mailing address, email address, and damaged home address)
o Insurance Information (coverage, insurance company name, etc.)
o Bank Account Information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account)
After you complete your application
• Home Inspection
o If your reported damages require an on-site FEMA inspection, you will be contacted by FEMA within 10 days of submitting your application to schedule an appointment for a home inspector to visit you.
o In the event of a catastrophic disaster an inspector may take longer to visit you.
o If your damages are insured, you need to submit your insurance settlement or denial before a FEMA home inspection can be scheduled.
• After the Inspection
o If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you:
A check by mail, or a direct deposit into your checking or savings account, and
A letter describing how you are to use the money.
If you are denied
• If you do not qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you:
o A letter explaining why you did not qualify, and
o An opportunity to appeal the decision.
o If you receive a letter saying that you are ineligible or that your application is incomplete, this does not necessarily mean you will not receive help – you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving mailed notification from us
An appeal is a written request to review your file again with additional information you provide that may affect the decision. You may appeal any decision provided by FEMA regarding your Individual Assistance.
Visit https://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance and click on the “How Do I Appeal the Final Decision?” tab for information on how to submit an appeal.
Many Harris County residents may not be eligible for FEMA assistance. For a list of non-FEMA recovery resources, visit www.ReadyHarris.org.