USE FEMA MONEY FOR INTENDED PURPOSE [https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250808/use-fema-money-intended-purpose] Release Date: August 8, 2025 FEMA reminds Tennesseans in CHEATHAM, DAVIDSON, DICKSON, DYER, HARDEMAN, MCNAIRY, MONTGOMERY, OBION and WILSON counties who receive federal disaster assistance for damage from the April 2-24 severe storms to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep receipts for expenses. The FEMA assistance application DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, AUG. 19 AT 11:59 P.M. Disaster assistance is intended to help you pay for basic expenses caused by the disaster. The grants are tax-free and do not need to be repaid. A letter explaining what the money is to be used for will arrive within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment. The types of assistance you may be eligible for could 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 disaster-damaged primary vehicle; * Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster; * Repair or replacement of specialized occupational tools; * Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies); * Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster; or * Other disaster-related expenses. If you spend the grant on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, you may be denied future disaster assistance. In some cases, FEMA may ask you to return the money. Keep receipts of your spending for three years to document that you used the money for disaster-related expenses. If you receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you must return the money from FEMA. FEMA cannot seize your property or land, even if you are unable to repay the agency for any duplicated benefits. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov [https://www.disasterassistance.gov/], use the FEMA App [https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products] for mobile devices or call the FEMA HELPLINE AT 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov) [https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator]. Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RF3tqG5Xhc] | ASL [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi_G2vI_fWU] | Spanish [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKdhF_H6Z-w] Video: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31lQzNga-oo]  | ASL [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNgsCjqP3U] | Spanish [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKdhF_H6Z-w] Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster [http://www.sba.gov/disaster] or call 800-659-2955. DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday * HARDEMAN COUNTY: Safehaven Storm Shelter, 530 Madison Ave W., Grand Junction, TN 38039 * OBION COUNTY: Obion County Library, 1221 E. Reelfoot Ave., Union City, TN 38261 FEMA is committed to providing equal access to federal assistance for Tennesseans who were affected by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. Anyone with an accessibility need who is applying for FEMA assistance should let FEMA know by calling the FEMA HELPLINE AT 800-621-3362.