Following the devastating winter storm that hit Texas, people in over 77 counties are now applying for FEMA Assistance. It is estimated that the state of Texas took on $50 billion in damages from the recent snowstorm. Federal Disaster Relief has been announced for those affected by the snowstorm. Aid will grow in the coming weeks for those in need. But there are some things that residents need to know before they apply for FEMA Assistance in Texas.
Who can Apply
77 counties have been designated for disaster assistance with FEMA. Texas homeowners and renters in these counties who sustained damage can apply for individual assistance. Following are the approved counties: Angelina, Aransas, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Collin, Comal, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, DeWitt, Ellis, Falls, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gillespie, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hood, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lavaca, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, Montague, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Polk, Rockwall, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Scurry, Shelby, Smith, Stephens, Tarrant, Travis, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wharton, Wichita, Williamson, Wilson, and Wise.
Before You Apply For FEMA Assistance in Texas
Before you apply for FEMA assistance, it is essential that you first file a claim through your existing insurance policies. If you do not do so, that is insurance fraud. That’s because Texans cannot receive compensation for both insurance and damage assistance for the same case.
However, if you do not currently have insurance, or if insurance does not cover all your damage you may proceed with applying for disaster assistance from FEMA.
It is suggested that Texas residents apply for a FEMA assistance soon after they file a claim through their insurance. Currently, FEMA doesn’t not require proof of occupancy, identification, or an insurance determination letter. This is set to change soon. Make sure to have sufficient proof of damages through photographs. You should also keep receipts of money spent on cleanup and repair.
This federal assistance program is meant to provide affected Texans with grants for temporary housing, loans for property loss, and many other helpful forms of compensation.
How To Receive Assistance
In order to receive federal assistance through FEMA, you must apply through disasterassistance.gov. While filling out the application, you’ll need the following info:
- Social Security #
- Insurance Details
- Full Description of Damages
- Annual Household Income
- Contact Info
If you don’t have access to the internet, applications can be processed over the phone at 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.You can also use this number to check the status of your online application.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call 800-462-7585 to file your application. Also, anyone can visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. Here is a list of locations.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility status or application, visit the Disaster Assistance website.
Tax deadline for Texas residents has been pushed out to June 15. You can read about the details here.
