FEMA extends deadline for disaster assistance

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended to Aug. 15, according to a FEMA press release.

Although disaster survivors in Texas now have more time to apply for FEMA assistance, FEMA encourages disaster survivors not to wait. The sooner they apply, the sooner they may be eligible for assistance to help with their recovery from the recent storms.

In June, FEMA announced that homeowners and renters in Coryell County are eligible for disaster assistance following severe storms that caused flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds between April 26 and June 5.

Although the Disaster Recovery Center in Coryell County has closed, homeowners and renters can visit any center in the state. For hours and locations, go to fema.gov/drc.

Residents do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance – apply online through the following resources:

o   Go online to disasterassistance.gov.

o   Download the FEMA App for mobile devices: www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products

o   Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Additional resources through FEMA include:

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Apply online at Unemployment Benefit Services via the Texas Workforce Commission or call the Texas Workforce Commission at 800-939-6631 between 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Deadline is July 16.
• Disaster Legal Assistance: Call the Texas State Bar Legal Hotline at 800-504-7030 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Phones are answered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• Crisis Counseling: Call the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-985-5990. For Spanish, press "2.”

For those with homeowners or renters insurance, FEMA recommends filing a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

If the policy does not cover all damage expenses, homeowners or renters may be eligible for federal assistance. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781