Questions About Federal Disaster Aid

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

You can receive assistance from FEMA

Common Questions About Federal Aid

After severe storms and flooding, the president can declare specific areas as disaster zones. People who live in these areas can receive assistance from FEMA. However, due to the misconceptions about disaster aid, people who qualify for assistance often do not receive it because they think they are not eligible. If you are in an area that has been declared a disaster zone and have sustained damage to your home in Apopka / Wekiva, FL, read on to find out some common questions about federal aid.

1. What Are the Grants For?
Disaster assistance can include money to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs, uninsured or underinsured property losses, and medical and dental expenses directly related to the storm. Other necessary expenses, such as the cost of hiring storm cleanup and restoration professionals, may also be covered under grants.

2. What Happens After You Register?
Once you have registered, you will receive a call from a FEMA home inspector to arrange a survey of the damages done to your home. This call will come through shortly after you submit your application. Your inspector will arrive at your house and show proper identification. They will not ask for money, make recommendations for contractors, or approve or deny your claim. Once your inspection is complete, you will receive a formal decision in the mail.

3. How to Apply?
You can apply for your disaster relief over the phone or online. Be sure to do so promptly because there is usually a deadline after the storm passes.

4. Who Should Apply?
Anyone who lives in a presidentially declared disaster zone and has sustained damage to their home, vehicle, or other property due to a storm should apply for a FEMA grant. This is especially true if your damaged property was not covered under an insurance policy.
If your home was damaged after a severe storm or flood, you may be eligible for federal disaster aid. Be sure to understand what grants are available, who should apply, and the claim process to smoothly get your assistance.