FEMA representatives have been canvassing areas of Texas hammered by tornadoes and intense storms in recent weeks.
“We’re on the ground and we’re trying to meet people where they are,” said Nikki Gaskins Campbell, a FEMA spokesperson. “We have crews going door to door in the most affected areas to find out exactly what the needs are and to help them register if they in fact need to do so for disaster assistance.”
The storms triggered 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, Leon, Navarro and Smith counties remains under FEMA review.
How should damage be reported?
The state encourages Texans to report storm damage using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool at damage.tdem.texas.gov. Those reports help determine whether areas meet the thresholds for federal disaster assistance.
As officials document damage, additional counties could be added to those eligible for assistance.
Anyone who suffered damage should document it by taking pictures, saving receipts and notifying their county emergency management officials.
What is eligible for reimbursement?
Residents can receive help repairing uninsured storm damage to their homes, and a host of other costs are potentially eligible for reimbursement through FEMA programs, from a chainsaw for tackling fallen trees to a generator to keep medical equipment running.
Individuals who qualify for FEMA assistance can get money for water, food, prescriptions, baby formula, diapers and other items.
FEMA also provides funding to pay for hotel rooms or cover rent if a disaster prevents someone from staying in their own home. Individuals can seek funding to cover child care expenses incurred because of a disaster and to repair or replace damaged vehicles.
The cost of moving and storing personal property to prevent further damage also can be covered.
What isn’t eligible?
Claims for damage involving primary residences are allowed, but vacation homes are not covered.
Damage covered by insurance also isn’t eligible for FEMA aid.
“Your insurance is always going to be your first line of defense,” Campbell said. “FEMA is not going to duplicate payments.”
FEMA has generally not covered the cost of spoiled food from a power outage, but there is assistance that can provide for emergency needs such as food.
Like the IRS, any FEMA payments can be subject to an audit and lying on an application for assistance can bring consequences.
Manage expectations
Federal disaster assistance is designed to be supplemental, so applicants should manage expectations.
“We are here to assist 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 usually isn’t enough to make you whole.”
Grant amounts can vary widely, but the average is about $5,000 to $8,000. That money does not have to be repaid.
The maximum grant amount is $42,500. FEMA often refers disaster survivors to other agencies such as the Small Business Administration to help with long-term recovery.
How do I register for assistance?
Affected residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the agency’s helpline at 800-621-3362.
“We just encourage people to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible so they can try to start the road to recovery and get back to some sense of normalcy,” Campbell said.
She said applicants will typically hear back within seven to 14 days, and a FEMA representative might visit the residence to document the damage.
Campbell urged people to beware of bad actors seeking to exploit a terrible situation. A FEMA representative isn’t 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 come through 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 of those survivors who suffered huge losses in this disaster,” she said.
