Not all survivors of the May 2-8 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Others may be eligible for some aid but for less than they need. Where can these survivors turn for help? Whom can they call?
Many State and Federal Agencies Offer Disaster Assistance
Working both independently and in cooperation with FEMA, many state and federal cabinet departments and agencies offer scores of free services, programs and grants to Oklahoma survivors. Many of these government entities that may be of help are listed below:
Disaster Legal Services
Oklahoma residents can receive free legal assistance from Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services. Survivors in the designated counties who cannot afford an attorney can call 800-522-8065 to be connected to free legal services.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
To date, the SBA has approved more than $3.4 million in low-interest loans to storm-impacted Oklahomans. Survivors can contact an SBA customer service representative via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 800-659-2955 for help applying. Survivors can also apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
USDA Rural Development (RD) offers several programs to help storm survivors who have loans through their program. Survivors with RD loans who have disaster-damaged property can contact RD to obtain a claims package to explain how to work with your insurance agency and USDA.
- Survivors who have repairs not covered by insurance and qualifying income may be able to obtain a loan from your local Field Office. Please contact a Field Office for more information on the loan programs.
- If survivors’ income has been reduced by over 10% and will be reduced for the foreseeable future, they can request a payment assistance package. RD will review the information provided to determine eligibility for payment assistance or an increase.
- If survivors have excessive, non-reimbursed repair expenses or have lost their job as a result of the storm, they can request a moratorium package. RD will review the information provided to determine eligibility for a moratorium on payments. This moratorium is a suspension of payments for a period of time and is subject to repayment at a later date.
To qualify for any of these programs, you must live in a rural area. For more information or to apply for these and other USDA programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Don't let a disaster come between you and your money. If you get federal benefit payments by check, you can switch to direct deposit, so your money is directly deposited into a checking or savings account on payment day each month. This removes the risk of a delayed payment due to a disaster. You may choose from two electronic payment options:
- Direct Deposit - Your payment is deposited into your checking or savings account. Learn more about direct deposit online at www.godirect.gov.
- Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® - A prepaid debit card you can use to make retail purchases, pay bills, and get cash back. It’s a no- or low-cost alternative to paper checks.
If your Series EE, HH or I bonds were lost, damaged, destroyed or contaminated by the storms and flooding, you may be able to get faster replacement of these paper bonds. For more information, visit https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/research/indepth/ebonds/res_e_bonds_eeredeem_disaster.htm.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a national hotline that offers year-round disaster crisis counseling. If you feel distressed because of the storms, you can use this free service. It’s toll-free, multilingual crisis support, and is available every day, 24 hours a day. Helpline staff provides counseling and support and can help you learn how to cope with common stress reactions. They can also provide information and referrals to local resources for follow-up care. If you or someone you know is struggling in the aftermath of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding, call or text DDH at 800-985-5990. To learn more, visit https://www.samhsa.gov.
And More…
You can get access to more disaster help and resources, as well as a personalized list of available assistance at https://www.benefits.gov.
Oklahoma residents may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for assistance. For more information and to locate the closest DRC to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit the DRC Locator. You can also text 43362 and type DRC (your ZIP Code); for example, DRC 12345.