
FEMA Funding Available
Hurricane Beryl has left many in our community grappling with the aftermath, including limited cell reception, internet disruptions, and leaving over 2 million people without power. We hope you’re finding ways to recover amidst these challenges. For updates and available resources, please visit our website at https://haul.org. FEMA Funding Available Up to $700 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Texas, enabling FEMA to provide crucial support to those affected by Hurricane Beryl. This assistance includes funding for Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance (such as hotel accommodations), and Critical Needs Assistance, which offers a one-time payment of $700 per household. To apply for assistance, the application portal opens on Friday, July 12: Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Call the FEMA Help Line: 1-800-621-3362, available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time), 7 days a week. Extended hours may apply during periods of high disaster activity. How to File Insurance Claims and Get FEMA Assistance: Texans who sustained damage caused by Hurricane Beryl are encouraged to report it through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). This tool allows residents to document damage to their homes and businesses, helping emergency management officials assess the severity and determine if Texas qualifies for federal disaster aid. https://damage.tdem.texas.gov There are four ways to apply for assistance: 1. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov. 2. Download and use the FEMA App. 3. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Assistance is available in most languages. 4. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, provide FEMA with your number for that service. When you apply, you will be asked to provide: A description of the damage Your address at the time of the disaster Your Social Security number Contact information If you have insurance, your policy number, agent or company Annual household income Your bank account information for direct deposit. If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for losses your insurance will cover. Filing An Insurance Claim Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Keep a list of everyone you talk to. Be ready to describe the damage. Make a list of damaged property. Take pictures or video. Don’t throw away damaged items until you talk to your insurance company or adjuster. Try to protect your property from further damage. Cover broken windows and holes to keep out rain and prevent vandalism or theft. Ask about additional living expenses if you can’t live in your home due to the damage or power outages. Your insurance may pay some of those expenses. Save proof you paid the deductible on your claim. State law makes it illegal for contractors or roofers to offer to waive a deductible or to promise a rebate for the amount. In addition to filing your insurance claim, be sure to tell the Texas Division of Emergency Management about the damage. This will help Texas to receive as many recovery funds as possible. Report damage at iSTAT Damage Surveys. Flood Damage: Most home and renters policies don’t cover flood damage. Check your policy or call your agent if you aren’t sure about your coverage. If you have flood insurance, call your agent or company as soon as possible. Federal flood policies require you to file a claim and document your losses within 60 days. Your personal auto policy may cover flood damage if you have comprehensive coverage. If your car was flooded or damaged, call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Avoiding Contractor Scams: Get written estimates on company letterhead with clear contact information. Get more than one bid to gauge which ones are too high or too good to be true. Check references and phone numbers. Beware of contractors who only have out-of-town references or solicit door-to-door. Don’t pay in full upfront and don’t make a final payment until the job is done. Be sure to read and understand any contracts before signing and don’t sign a contract with blanks to be filled in later. Resources: Help after a disaster Anti-Fraud toolkit for cities and counties When do policies pay for additional living expenses? Power out, food spoiled? Your insurance might help. |