FEMA May Be Able to Help if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Some Disaster Expenses

November 29, 2020

FEMA can’t duplicate insurance payments for Floridians with losses from Hurricane Sally, but it might be able to help with some expenses that aren’t covered fully by insurance. It’s a good idea to register with FEMA even if you have insurance.

FEMA may be able to provide grants in these circumstances:

  • If the cost of your damage does not reach the level of your insurance deductible.
  • If you have received the settlement from the insurance company but you still have unmet needs.
  • If you have exhausted the settlement for Additional Living Expenses (for loss of use) and you need disaster-related temporary housing.
  • If your settlement does not cover disaster-related needs such as medical, dental and funeral costs, emergency home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

If your settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days, you may write to FEMA to explain your situation. Provide insurance documentation to prove you’ve submitted your claim, including the claim number, the date you applied and how long you estimate it will take for the company to settle and mail your letter. Mailing address:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-70155
Or fax it to 800-827-8112

The deadline to register with FEMA is Dec. 1, 2020. Residents of Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties can register by:

  • Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
  • Downloading the FEMA App; or by
  • Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which can cover uninsured losses. Dec. 1, 2020 is the deadline homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations to apply to the SBA for disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications for small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations is July 2, 2021.

For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email FOCE-Help@sba.gov to make an appointment for assistance over the phone. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Comments

2 Responses to “FEMA May Be Able to Help if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Some Disaster Expenses”

  1. lolita moore on December 1st, 2020 3:00 am

    All my windows need to be fix

  2. Brandy Smith on December 1st, 2020 2:18 am

    Need to correct application…
    I did have damage to my property.. The winds busted the windows in my boys room and sent wind and rain in their room. Ruined their tv and bed. We were without power for 6 days.stayed at a friend’s house until power came on. Then had to clean up after. Also..something flew through my passenger back glass on my vanplease review greatly appreciated.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News