3. Apply for government assistance
In natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help in various ways. Firstly, FEMA can assist with rental expenses up to two months. Also, FEMA can financially assist you with some home repairs including replacing a water heater or furnace. Also, FEMA can assist you with replacing some of your lost essential personal property such as a primary vehicle, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc. Furthermore, you can receive a disaster unemployment assistance if you lost your job because your company or employer was affected by flood.
The maximum amount that you can receive from FEMA is $33,000 and it depends upon the scope of damage and the amount of insurance coverage available to you.
You can apply by phone or online within first 60 days from the date of Hurricane Harvey. When applying, please have your Social Security number and a letter from your insurance company describing what you are covered for and what not for flood damages. You will be also given an option to apply for a low interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) offered to homeowners, tenants and entrepreneurs.
Click here for details or register for FEMA assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov / call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
