HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE AFTER HURRICANE IDALIA
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20231005/how-apply-fema-assistance-after-hurricane-idalia]


Release Date: 
October 5, 2023 

LAKE MARY, FLA. – Florida homeowners and renters in Charlotte and
Hillsborough counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by
Hurricane Idalia may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with temporary lodging, basic home repair
costs or other disaster-caused needs. The two counties join 16 others
previously approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.

Homeowners and renters in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie,
Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette,
Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor
counties may apply. 

Call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
[https://www.disasterassistance.gov/], download the FEMA App
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products] for
mobile devices or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The telephone line
is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most
languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone
service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an
accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA
Disaster Assistance - YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI]. The deadline to apply
is Oct. 30, 2023. 

When you apply for assistance, please 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

Residents with homeowners, renters or flood insurance should file a
claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses
covered by insurance. If the policy does not cover all disaster
expenses, policy holders may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to
prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases
related to the cleanup and repair.