LACEY, Wash. – As eligible disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, FEMA urges you to spend those awards wisely.
FEMA will send you a notification letter informing you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive, and the amounts of assistance FEMA is providing for each eligible need. These may include:
- Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems).
- Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily.
- Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle.
- Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster.
- Repair or replacement of occupational specialized tools.
- Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies).
- Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster and other disaster-related expenses.
You may spend your FEMA award in ways that help you make your home safe, sanitary, and fit to live in. Remember to document how you used disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least three years for verification of how you spent the money.
Disaster awards are not for regular living expenses, such as utilities, food, travel, entertainment or any discretionary expenses not directly related to the disaster.
Homeowners and renters in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Quileute Tribe and all tribes in the designated areas can apply for FEMA assistance online at diasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app.
Several Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in designated areas to help with applications and recovery information. To find the nearest center, go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or call 800-621- 3362.
Disaster survivors have until March 7 to apply for FEMA assistance.
For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10.
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