CLANTON, AL– FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is available to students, renters and homeowners in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore and Hale counties whose homes and property were damaged by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one- or two-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 16, 2023.
Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses, including:
- Replacement or repair of necessary personal property such as school supplies, including textbooks, and also furniture, appliances and clothing
- Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by those who are self-employed
- Repair of primary and registered vehicles
- Uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses
Renters and homeowners are required to submit copies of insurance settlements because, by law, FEMA is prohibited from duplicating or paying for expenses already available or covered by insurance or other sources.
After applying for FEMA disaster assistance, those affected by the tornadoes may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster caused or related personal property losses and vehicles related damages. SBA is the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for individuals, families, and businesses.
To remain eligible for additional FEMA programs like Other Needs Assistance, those who receive an SBA loan application are encouraged to submit the application – even if you decide not to accept the loan offer.
To apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance:
- Go to DisasterAssiscance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app; or
- Call toll-free 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.