As eligible Arkansas homeowners and renters begin receiving disaster funds from FEMA for rental assistance, home repairs or other categories of assistance, it is important to keep track of your spending. Use the money for the specified reason stated in the FEMA letter.
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Approved applicants in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Fulton, Greene, Madison, Marion or Randolph counties will receive a letter from FEMA that provides information about the types of assistance they are eligible to receive, and the amount of money FEMA is providing for each eligible need. These needs may include:
- Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems). Homeowners approved for FEMA’s Home Repair Assistance may receive additional mitigation funding for their owner-occupied primary residences to help them rebuild stronger. Mitigation funding addresses items like roof repair to withstand higher winds and help prevent water seeping in.
- 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.
- Increased childcare expenses.
- Repair or replacement of specialized occupational tools.
- Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies).
- Moving and storage expenses related to the severe storms and tornadoes and other disaster-related expenses.
You may spend the money you receive from FEMA only for the specified need. For example, home repair money may be used in ways that help make your home safe, sanitary and functional. Home Repair money is not for regular living expenses such as utilities, food, medical or dental bills, or any expenses not directly related to home repair. However, those expenses may be paid using other types of FEMA assistance.
Travel, entertainment or any non-disaster-caused expenses are never an appropriate use of FEMA funds.
If grant money is not used as outlined in your FEMA eligibility letter, you may be asked to repay your grants and could lose your eligibility for further federal assistance. Therefore, please make sure you use the funds for their intended purpose, document how the money was spent, and save your receipts for three years.
If you have questions about how your FEMA money should be spent, you may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The Helpline is available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT, or you can speak with FEMA representatives by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow the FEMA Region 6 at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.