What’s next after you apply for FEMA assistance?

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Helene’s wrath was felt in 16 states including, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, and many are still reeling from the Category 4 Hurricane trying to get back to some type of normalcy.
Core Logic reports Hurricane Helene caused up to $47.5 billion worth of damage, and it’s hitting many homeowners in the wallet. If you applied for FEMA assistance, you’re probably wondering what’s next.
First, here’s what FEMA may be able to help with such as temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs, or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance.
Within 10 days of applying, an inspector from FEMA will contact you to schedule an appointment for an inspection which will take anywhere from around 30-40 minutes. Inspectors will make several attempts to contact you by phone or text, which may come from an out-of-state or “unknown” number asking to verify your identity by phone.
During the home inspection, they will:
- Verify your name, address, contact information and insurance
- Confirm the individuals living in your disaster-damaged residence: bedrooms occupied, clothing, medical, dental, transportation, or miscellaneous losses; and items you purchased as a result of the disaster (i.e. chainsaw, dehumidifier)
- Asses your pre-disaster residence’s square footage, foundation, and structural type (i.e. one or multiple stories). Record the cause of damage, applicable water levels, impacted utilities, and accessibility features
- Confirm with you that all damage has been viewed and describe the next steps in the FEMA process.
Make sure the person who shows up at your door is a legitimate FEMA inspector, always ask for photo identification and never give out personal information. If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection.
Here’s what you need to be prepared to show your FEMA inspector:
- Photo identification. If you lost your ID in the disaster, let the inspector know. FEMA has other ways to verify your identity.
- Proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence (structural insurance, tax bill, mortgage payment book/utility bill).
- Insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).
- List of household occupants living in the residence at the time of disaster.
- All disaster-related damages to both real and personal property.
Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed and you’ll get a letter outlining the decision. If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you’ll get a check in the mail or funds will be deposited directly into your bank account, depending on the method of payment you chose on your application.
If you do not qualify, a letter will be sent explaining why you may not be eligible. You have the right to appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents showing you qualify and need more help, such as estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc.
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