The deadline for Arkansans to apply for FEMA assistance for damage from the December storms and tornadoes is fast approaching. The final day is Feb. 22. Don’t delay – if you had damage to your home, vehicle or belongings that is greater than your insurance coverage, FEMA may be able to help. Some of your neighbors in Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi, Poinsett and Woodruff counties may have already applied for and received a grant.
To apply for FEMA assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA app on your Smartphone.
Spend Grants Wisely
If you are eligible for help from FEMA and your grant is approved and has been deposited into your bank account, be sure you spend the funds only on disaster-related expenses. You will receive a letter or notification in your DisasterAssistance.gov account confirming the amount you were given and explaining what the money should be used for.
Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses. Some examples of allowed expenses include:
- Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
- Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
- Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
- Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
- Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
- Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
- Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or a bed from an occupied bedroom
- Increased childcare expenses
Risks of Not Using Money as Intended
Read your determination letter carefully. You will need to keep receipts for all expenses for at least three years, as disaster funding may be subject to review. If you have spent the payment on anything other than its intended purpose, you may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases of misuse, FEMA may ask that the money be returned.
Keep in Touch with FEMA
Be sure FEMA has your most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.
For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.