HOUSTON — If you had property damaged in recent storms across Southeast Texas, you can begin applying for FEMA relief. This is for storms and flooding across the region that began on April 26.
Disaster assistance from FEMA is available for people living in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties. There are several ways to apply for FEMA relief. Beginning Tuesday, May 21, FEMA assistance will be available at the Spring Branch Family Development Center and the Fonde Community Center. Crews will be available to help and answer questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday at:
Spring Branch Family Development Center
8575 Pitner Road
Houston, TX 77080
Fonde Community Center
110 Sabine St.
Houston, TX 77007
You can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. You can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. The help is available in multiple languages.
The application process has been streamlined so that people can apply to FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration at the same time.
There is also support for underinsured people for the first time, according to FEMA. They’ll help those people cover the costs that insurance companies won’t pay.
FEMA said there are new benefits for people. FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allow Texans access to a wider range of assistance and immediate funds for serious needs.
FEMA does have benefits for those who have immediate needs. An inspector will determine eligibility.
- Serious Needs Assistance, a $750 payment for households for essential items, will now be provided in all disasters receiving Individual Assistance to help people make ends meet.
- Displacement Assistance, a new benefit that will provide people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed.
Here is an explainer on how to apply.
Applicants should be prepared to provide the following information when applying with FEMA:
- Social Security number
- Address of the damaged property
- Description of the damage
- Information about insurance coverage
- A current contact telephone number
- An address where you can receive mail
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
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