How to Apply for Assistance
If you have sustained damage or losses caused by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides between July 9-11, 2024, FEMA may be able to help you. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
Homeowners and renters in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington counties can apply to FEMA in several ways:
The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800- 621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and 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.
New FEMA Benefits
- Serious Needs Assistance: A one-time $750 payment per household to help pay for essential items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
- Displacement Assistance: Money to help with immediate housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while you look for temporary housing.
Understanding Your FEMA Letter
If you applied for FEMA assistance after the storms from July 9-11, 2024, you will receive an eligibility letter from FEMA in the mail or by email. The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. You may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. If you have questions about your letter, or disagree with the initial decision, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.
Disaster Recovery Centers
- Caledonia County: Lyndonville Public Safety Facility, 316 Main St. Lyndonville, VT 05851
- Essex County: Brighton Town Hall Gym, 49 Mill Street, Island Pond, VT 05846
- Washington County: Barre Auditorium, 20 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
- Washington County: Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667
- Washington County: Waterbury Armory, 294 Armory Blvd, Waterbury, VT 05676
All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 1-833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).
Low-Interest Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
The SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center to meet the needs of business that were affected by storms that occurred July 9-11. Location: Washington County at the Barre Municipal Auditorium at 20 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641. Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, Closed
Additional Resources
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to Vermont businesses and residents who lost their jobs because of the July 9-11 storms. Eligible residents may submit a claim at https://labor.vermont.gov/dua
- Farm operators in the impacted counties in Vermont may be eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans through the USDA Disaster Declaration. Go online to www.farmers.gov/recover for more information.
- For more local and state resources visit Vermont Emergency Management
Be Alert to Fraud
FEMA personnel working in areas impacted by the July 9-11 storms carry official photo identification. FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free. Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department.