News and Media: Disaster 4586

Disaster recovery officials remind survivors who may have received FEMA disaster funds that it’s important to use the money for the intended purpose – disaster-related expenses - and not for household expenses or other expenditures.

Renters in the 126 Texas designated counties* who were forced from their damaged homes because of the severe winter storms may be eligible for help from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Federal monetary awards may help pay for temporary housing and other needs not covered by insurance.

Survivors of February’s severe winter storms in Texas who registered with FEMA may have received a determination letter regarding your eligibility for assistance. Read the letter carefully. It may not be the final answer. FEMA may simply need extra documents to process your application. Every applicant may appeal FEMA’s decision.

Survivors of the severe winter storms in Texas who apply for federal assistance must be able to prove they lived in the disaster-damaged primary residence before the storms. Once they provide proof, they may be considered for help from FEMA, such as Housing Assistance and some types of Other Needs Assistance, including personal property assistance and moving/storage assistance.

As Texans recover from February’s severe winter storms, many survivors are wondering if they can qualify for FEMA disaster assistance if they are not United States citizens. Some may make assumptions based on rumors and may avoid seeking federal help, even though it may be available to them.