The deadline to apply for Hurricane Harvey FEMA/SBA disaster assistance is quickly approaching. The application filing deadline for physical damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey has been extended 30 days and is now November 24, 2017. FEMA can provide up to $33,000 in assistance to qualified applicants. Those homeowners and business owners who require more assistance, may be eligible for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but must first apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

All homeowner and business owners affected by Hurricane Harvey who reside in the disaster designated zones, should apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance even if they have flood and/or homeowners’ insurance. Help may be available for uninsured or underinsured losses or when insurance claims are not promptly settled. Under federal law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance settlements or other benefits, but there are certain situations in which insured homeowners and business owners might still be eligible for FEMA assistance.

The following are examples of possible FEMA assistance for insured survivors:

  • Your settlement was delayed longer than 30 days after you filed a claim.
  • The settlement does not fully cover all your losses and needs.
  • You exhausted the additional living expenses provided in your policy.
  • You cannot locate suitable rental resources in your community.

How to register:

  • Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov. Registering online is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance.
  • Those without internet access can register by phone. Call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free lines remain open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice.
  • Via the FEMA app, available for Apple and Android mobile devices. To download, visit fema.gov/mobile-app.

Insured survivors have twelve (12) months from date of registration, to advise if insurance coverage was inadequate and request consideration for FEMA assistance.

Please see https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/09/07/fact-sheet-what-expect-when-you-register-fema-disaster-assistance for additional information related to filing for FEMA assistance.

Please see https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply for an SBA loan.