Residents of Howell, Shannon and Texas counties who were affected by severe weather and flooding between May 19 and 27 have until Sept. 23 to apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance with disaster recovery, officials announce.
The process is free and can be completed with a 20-minute phone call or by going online.
Residents of Barry, Butler, Carter, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott and Stoddard counties who were affected by storms in the same time frame may also qualify.
The assistance, made available through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, is available to eligible homeowners, renters and self-employed business owners. Those with homeowner’s and renter’s insurance may still be eligible for federal grant funding to cover uninsured losses.
Apply online through www.disasterassistance.gov. Applications may also be made by phone at 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362) or by using the FEMA app, downloadable from Apple and Android app stores. Those using relay services including video relay and captioned telephone services can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply, visit www.youtube.com/watc?v=LU7wzRjByhI.
When filling out an application, applicants should have a current phone number available, the home address at the time of the disaster and the address of where they are currently staying, their Social Security number, a general list of damage and losses and, if insured, the police number or the name of the agent and/or insurance company.
The Individuals and Households Program offers a range of grants to those affected by disasters who are uninsured or who have unmet needs not covered by insurance and are determined to be eligible for federal aid based on the type of damage sustained.
Officials note that each household is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so neighboring homes may get different types or levels of assistance. FEMA recommends impacted residents apply directly with the agency and let disaster recovery specialist find which assistance is available. They add that accepting a grant does not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or other federal benefit programs.
Serious Needs Assistance: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
Displacement assistance: Money to help with housing needs if a home is unlivable due to disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while looking for a rental unit.
Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help repair or replace a primary residence damaged by the disaster. This money can also help with preexisting damage to parts of a home further damaged by storms.
Rental Assistance: Money to help with rent if a resident is displaced from their home because of the disaster.
Personal Property: Money to help repair or replace appliances, furniture and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, medical equipment and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
Child Care: Money to help pay for increased or new childcare expenses caused by the disaster.
Transportation: Money to help repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when the owner does not have another vehicle to use.
Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help move and store personal property from a damage home to prevent additional damage.
To learn more about disaster assistance for individuals and households, go online to www.fema.gov/assistance/individual. For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.gov or FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803.
