SPEND FEMA FUNDS FOR SPECIFIED DISASTER-RELATED EXPENSES
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/spend-fema-funds-specified-disaster-related-expenses]


Release Date: 
Mar 6, 2023 

As eligible Georgia homeowners and renters begin receiving disaster
funds from FEMA for rental assistance, home repairs or other
categories of assistance, it is important to keep track of your
spending. Use the money for the specified reason stated in the FEMA
letter.

Helpful Tips

 	* Approved applicants in BUTTS, HENRY, JASPER, MERIWETHER, NEWTON,
PIKE, SPALDING AND TROUP counties will receive a letter from FEMA that
provides information about the types of assistance they are eligible
to receive, and the amount of assistance FEMA is providing for each
eligible need. These may include:

 	* Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems).
Homeowners approved for FEMA’s Home Repair Assistance may receive
additional mitigation funding for their owner-occupied primary
residences to help them rebuild stronger. Mitigation funding addresses
roof repair to withstand higher winds and help prevent water seeping
in.
 	* Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily
 	* Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle
 	* Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by
the disaster
 	* Increased childcare expenses
 	* Repair or replacement of specialized occupational tools
 	* Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks,
supplies)
 	* Moving and storage expenses related to the tornadoes and other
disaster-related expenses

 	* You may spend your Home Repair grant from FEMA in ways that help
make your home safe, accessible and functional. Remember to document
how you used the disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least
three years for verification of how you spent the money.
 	* Federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free. But disaster
grants are not for regular living expenses such as utilities, food,
medical or dental bills, travel, entertainment, or any discretionary
expenses not directly related to the disaster.

To Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

 	* The DEADLINE TO APPLY for FEMA assistance is MONDAY, MARCH 20.
Here’s how to apply:

 	* Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
[https://urldefense.us/v3/__http:/www.DisasterAssistance.gov__;!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!V9qeEBYrSNZdnN1w1BSQaAnDtEznFBy6nbCyjLlwEVgoobGfHobimOjzCseDAmd-rAAVxALAdw$]
 	* Use the FEMA mobile app
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages]
 	* Call the FEMA HELPLINE AT 800-621-3362. Help is available in many
languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone
service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline
operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 A.M. TO 1
A.M. DAILY. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks
your language.
 	* For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6g].

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe
storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit
fema.gov/disaster/4685 [https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4685]. You may
also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter [https://twitter.com/GeorgiaEMAHS],
Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS],
@FEMARegion4/Twitter [https://twitter.com/femaregion4] and
Facebook.com/FEMA [https://www.facebook.com/FEMA/].