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Applying for Federal Disaster Assistance

May 13, 2013
Blog Post

As families, businesses and local governments compile their full damage assessments and apply for assistance, I and my office will be fully available to help 11th District residents with any difficulties they may have applying for federal assistance.

Any residents or businesses in the 11th District who have been affected by the April flooding can begin applying for assistance by registering online at https://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

  • What Assistance Can I Apply For?
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the organization that coordinates disaster recovery efforts.
    • FEMA partners with state, local and other federal agencies to help those who are affected by federally declared disasters and who qualify for temporary financial and/or direct assistance. This includes elements such as the Individuals and Households Programs for recovery support.
    • FEMA disaster assistance is designed to complement your own insurance, not replace it. FEMA can only assist with damages not covered by your own insurance policy and cannot duplicate your existing benefits.
    • Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Help when applying is available in most languages.
  • How Can I Apply For Assistance?
    • Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
    • Apply by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
      • Deaf applicants in need of a TTY number can call 1-800-462-7585
  • What will I need?
    • FEMA will ask you to provide certain information in order to process your application:
      • The address of your damaged home or apartment
      • The names of occupants in the damaged household
      • A description of your damages from the flooding
      • Your insurance information
      • A phone number and address where you can currently be reached
      • Your Social Security Number
  • What do I do next?
    • When you apply, you will be given a FEMA application number. Please save this number for future reference, as you will need it whenever you contact FEMA about your assistance request.
    • If you move after applying, please let FEMA know about your new phone number and address. This will ensure prompt delivery of all disaster rewards.