News and Media: Disaster 4701

Tennessee residents who receive Social Security payments or other government assistance should not be concerned that FEMA disaster assistance aiding their recovery from the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes will affect their benefits.

For families and households affected by Tennessee’s severe storms and tornadoes on March 31 to April 1, 2023, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is only one source of disaster funding. And the program has its limits. It can lend a helping hand to recover but it cannot compensate for everything that was lost.

Tennessee houses of worship and certain other nonprofit organizations in the counties affected by the storms and tornadoes on March 31 to April 1, 2023, may be eligible for grants from FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The grants can help pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged facilities.

A Disaster Recovery Center opened at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 22, in Waynesboro to accommodate residents who were affected by the storms and tornadoes and want to update their existing FEMA applications or learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the largest source of federal disaster funds for survivors. If you receive a disaster loan application, you are encouraged to submit it even if you’re not sure you want or need a loan.