• Mobile Resources
• Contact Us
• A-Z Index
• FAQs
• Español
• Additional Languages

• Home
• Plan & Prepare
• Recover & Rebuild
• Apply for Assistance
• Disasters & Maps
• FEMA Audiences
• About FEMA
• News & Media

The Three Step Process to Disaster Assistance

Texans who sustained damage or property losses from Hurricane Ike should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – even if you have insurance or believe you won’t qualify for assistance. The application process is simple, but important, because your insurance might not cover everything, and FEMA may provide assistance that can address your specific needs.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs, not covered by insurance or other sources.

Also, homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help you recover from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other sources.                                                    

Following are the three basic steps to getting disaster assistance from FEMA.

Step One: Registration

Register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 (for those with hearing or speech impairments). Specialists are available at both phone numbers around the clock to help you through the registration process. In addition, you can register online at www.fema.gov.

• If you have insurance, contact your agent before registering with FEMA.
• When calling FEMA, you will need: Your Social Security number, your current mailing address, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the damages and any insurance information, including the policy number and the name of your agent, and a phone number where you can be reached.
• Fill out and return your SBA low-interest loan application, if you receive one. Returning the application does not obligate you to accept an SBA loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.

Step Two: Inspections

After you register, a FEMA-contracted inspector will call you to set up an appointment to inspect your property. There is no charge for this service, but it is a necessary step to determine damages.

Make sure your home or mailbox number is easily visible from the road.

As part of the inspection process, you must provide proof of ownership or occupancy:

• Homeowners may show a tax bill, deed mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address.
• Renters may show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
• Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID.

Step Three: Receiving Assistance

FEMA will issue funds if you are eligible for assistance. If you have provided banking information to FEMA, the funds will be deposited into your account. This option can often speed up the process of receiving assistance.

If you do receive a check, deposit it as soon as possible. You must use the money for the disaster-related assistance for which it is intended.

A Helpful Step: Disaster Recovery Centers      

For any assistance along the way – with help filling out the applications, general questions, or progress reports – call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585, and select the language option you require. If you would like to speak with someone face to face, FEMA encourages you to visit a Disaster Recovery Center in your area.

For a list of all the centers in your area, visit www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/dr1791_drc_list.htm.

 

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010 14:46:22 EDT