More than $21 million in disaster assistance paid out so far, help centers set

BEATTYVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky homeowners and renters who sustained losses from the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 27 through March 14 in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin and Powell counties may be eligible for  assistance from FEMA.

• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $17 million in flood insurance claims in Kentucky. About 600 claims have been submitted. A major disaster declaration is not required for flood insurance to pay. Claims may be submitted from any county.
• For losses not covered by insurance, FEMA has approved more than $3 million in Individual Assistance disaster grants for Kentucky homeowners and renters. Grants may help survivors with rent, home repairs,home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare,medical and dental expenses. A total of 509 households have been approved.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 17 low-interest disaster loans for $775,100.

How to Get Help from FEMA

• By law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments or assistance from government programs or charities.
• If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app and register on your smartphone or  tablet, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are also available during these hours.
• Those who use a Relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

RESOURCES FOR STORM SURVIVORS

You should have the following information available to register:

• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Social Security number
• Your insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

Spending FEMA Grants Wisely

While FEMA Individual Assistance is tax free and grants don’t have to be repaid, FEMA urges survivors to use the funds quickly, wisely and only for disaster-related expenses.

When a grant is awarded, FEMA sends a disaster assistance determination letter listing approved uses.

Learn more at Spending FEMA Grants Wisely | FEMA.gov