FRAMINGHAM, MA – Residents in Massachusetts who experienced damage from the storms and flooding that took place Sept. 11-13, 2023 in the designated counties of Bristol and Worcester are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance under the new simplified and expanded Individual Assistance program. While many may have already reported their damages to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, local government, community organization or even spoken to someone from FEMA, this does not mean they have applied for federal assistance with FEMA.
In order to be eligible for federal assistance, you must apply directly with FEMA. Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your Social Security number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property and other programs to help individuals recover from the effects of the disaster.
Once you complete the application for federal assistance with FEMA, you will receive a FEMA registration number which will confirm your enrollment and an appointment with a FEMA inspector may follow.
Survivors may also apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan as well. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. Businesses, homeowners, renters and certain nonprofits that were affected by the disaster may apply online for low- interest disaster loans at lending.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
For the latest information visit 4780 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on Twitter (X) at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.
For updates on Massachusetts response and recovery operations, follow the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency on Twitter (X) MEMA (@MassEMA) / X and Facebook Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) | Facebook or visit Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency | Mass.gov.