Texans affected by Hurricane Beryl can now access crucial disaster assistance from FEMA to help them recover and rebuild. FEMA’s disaster assistance program aims to provide funds for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, temporary housing rentals, and other uninsured expenses resulting from the hurricane. It is important to note that FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance.
Housing Assistance
Home Repair or Replacement: FEMA offers financial assistance to repair or replace homes damaged by the disaster. This includes addressing mold, implementing hazard mitigation measures, and fixing pre-existing damage exacerbated by the disaster.
Accessibility Needs: Survivors with disabilities can receive funds for specific repairs to ensure their homes are accessible. This may include installing exterior ramps, grab bars, and paved paths to home entrances.
Privately-Owned Roads, Bridges, Docks: Assistance is available for survivors whose only access to their homes has been damaged by the disaster.
Rental Assistance: Funds are provided to rent temporary housing if displacement from home has occurred due to the disaster.
Other Needs Assistance
Serious Needs: A one-time $750 payment is available to cover lifesaving and life-sustaining items such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items, and fuel for transportation.
Displacement: Financial assistance is available for immediate housing needs, including stays in hotels, with family or friends, or other temporary housing options.
Personal Property: Funds are provided to repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, personal or family computers, books, uniforms, tools, and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
Medical/Dental: Assistance covers medical expenses resulting from disaster-related injuries or illnesses, as well as replacing medical/dental equipment and prescribed medicines damaged or lost.
Funeral: Funds are available to cover funeral or reburial expenses caused by the disaster.
Child Care: Financial assistance is provided for increased or new child-care expenses due to the disaster.
Assistance for Miscellaneous Items: Funds can be used to purchase or rent items like generators, dehumidifiers, chainsaws, and other recovery-related equipment.
Transportation: Financial assistance is available to repair or replace vehicles damaged by the disaster when no other vehicle is available.
Moving and Storage Expenses: Funds can help move and store personal property to prevent additional damage while repairs are being made or when moving to a new place.
Group Flood Insurance Policy: FEMA may purchase a Group Flood Insurance Policy on behalf of homeowners in Special Flood Hazard Areas with flood damage, providing three years of coverage.
Clean and Sanitize: Financial assistance is provided for minor damage repair to prevent additional loss and address potential health or safety concerns.
How to Apply
Homeowners and renters in counties designated for FEMA assistance can apply in several ways:
- Online: Visit disasterassistance.gov.
- Mobile App: Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- Phone: Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Assistance is available in most languages. If using a relay service, such as video relay (VRS) or captioned telephone, provide FEMA with the specific service number.
- Disaster Recovery Centers: Visit a local center for assistance. Locations can be found at fema.gov/drc. These centers can help with both Hurricane Beryl and the April 26-June 5 storms and flooding.
For more information on available assistance and how to apply, please visit fema.gov or contact the FEMA helpline.