FEMA to help individuals with recovery from Hurricane Matthew. Here's what to do

FEMA amends declaration to include 'Individual Assistance' in Flagler County.


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  • | 3:45 p.m. October 18, 2016
Photo of trucks on Flagler Beach by Brian McMillan
Photo of trucks on Flagler Beach by Brian McMillan
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency amended its Major Disaster Declaration late Monday to include Individual Assistance for Flagler County to assist residents with expenses related to Hurricane Matthew.

“This is great news,” said Flagler County Commission Chair Barbara Revels in a county news release. “This will help those who don’t have the means to get back on their feet after sustaining damage from the storm.”

FEMA’s program is called the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). It provides up to $33,000 to be used for both housing assistance and other needs, including personal property.

Housing Assistance can be used for the following: temporary housing, including rent money or a temporary housing unit when no rentals are available; repair for damages that are not covered by insurance, “to repair the primary home to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition,” and then the homeowner may apply for a Small Business Administration disaster loan for additional repair assistance; replacement; and, semi-permanent or permanent housing construction, but “this type of assistance occurs only in very unusual situations.”

Other Needs Assistance provides grants for uninsured, disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs. This grant money can be used for the following: medical and dental expenses; repair, cleaning or replacement of clothing, furnishings and appliances, specialized tools and protective clothing required for the individual’s job, and educational materials; clean-up items; fuel for clean-up; repair or replacing damaged vehicles or money for public transportation; moving and storage expenses; and, the cost of National Flood Insurance Program group flood insurance policy to meet the flood insurance requirements.

There are some conditions and qualifications attached to the Individuals and Households Program, such as the requirement for flood insurance and residency status. Those applying for assistance are responsible for providing the proper documentation for FEMA evaluate eligibility.

For more information, go to: https://www.fema.gov/recovery-directorate/assistance-individuals-and-households.

             

 

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