Release Date:
June 9, 2023
FEMA is still working in Tennessee to help residents recover from the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes. Even though Disaster Recovery Centers have closed and the deadline to apply for federal assistance has passed, keep these points in mind to help your recovery stay on track.
If You Missed FEMA’s Application Deadline
- These 10 counties were designated for federal disaster assistance: Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne.
- FEMA may consider a late application if extraordinary circumstances kept you from applying during the April 7 to June 6 application period. You will need to provide these documents:
- a signed letter explaining why you missed the deadline; supporting documentation showing proof of medical or disability issues, death of an immediate family member or other disaster-specific circumstances.
- FEMA will accept late applications for an additional 60 days (until Aug. 4, 2023).
- You must submit valid documents within 60 days from the date of your late application. Include your nine-digit registration number and the disaster number (DR-4701-TN) on all supporting documents.
What’s the Best Way to Send Documents to FEMA?
- Upload them online after you’ve applied with FEMA. Here’s how:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Select “check status”
- Log in (or create your account)
- Select the “correspondence” tab
- Follow the online instructions
Stay in Touch with FEMA
- If your address or phone number changes at any time since you applied, let FEMA know immediately by logging into your account at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service so they can contact you. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
To Appeal FEMA’s Decisions
- Your FEMA determination letter will explain what benefits you can appeal. You have 60 days after receiving the letter to send FEMA your appeal, which is a written request to review your application. In your dated and signed appeal letter, explain why you disagree with FEMA’s decision. Be sure to include the following:
- applicant’s full name, current address and damaged dwelling address
- applicant’s nine-digit FEMA registration number on every page (That number can be found at the top of the determination letter.)
- FEMA’s disaster declaration number: DR-4701-TN
- applicant’s signature and the date
- For questions about writing your appeal letter, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Do you have unmet needs resulting from the disaster?
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for referrals to disaster-specific resources in your area.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
- The June 6 deadline has passed for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses to apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration physical disaster loan. However, under some specific circumstances, you may still be able to apply.
- For information, visit DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
- The last day for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises and most private nonprofit organizations to apply for an SBA economic injury disaster loan is Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
- SBA Business Recovery Centers in Tennessee will remain open in McNairy, Rutherford and Tipton counties until further notice. For hours and locations, visit DisasterLoanAssistance.gov.
Are You Prepared for Another Disaster?
- As Tennessee recovers, the state can expect more storms now that the six-month Atlantic hurricane season is underway. To help your family plan for storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters, visit Ready.gov, a federal website designed to prepare citizens for disasters and emergencies.
For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.