Homeowners and renters in Florida who sustained losses from last year’s hurricanes only have one day left to apply for FEMA assistance.
Florida saw back-to-back strikes from Category 3 hurricanes, with Helene making landfall in Perry on Sept. 26 and Milton hitting Sarasota County’s Siesta Key roughly two weeks later on Oct. 9. Thousands of homes and businesses were demolished from storm surge, damaging winds, and tornado outbreaks.
The application deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 7. Here’s what to know.
What does FEMA assistance do?
FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allow Floridians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.
According to its website, FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss, or other disaster-caused needs.
How do I apply for and contact FEMA assistance?
You can do any of the following:
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Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to register for assistance. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 32344”).
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Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
I was denied FEMA assistance. Is it too late to appeal?
Homeowners and renters who have already applied for assistance and disagree with FEMA’s decision can appeal within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. They note online that they might need more information to continue processing your application.
The letter sent from FEMA will provide additional information on the documents or information that will need to be provided if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision. You can submit your appeal online, by mail, by fax, or in person.
Its website states decisions usually are made within 30 days of receiving the appeal; however, it may take up to 90 days for a decision.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: FEMA deadline for Florida hurricane disaster assistance is today