HOUSTON – If you’re one of the many Houston residents still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Beryl, you may qualify for federal assistance. However, as part of the disaster assistance process, FEMA says it must have proof of ownership and occupancy for damaged homes.
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Whether you rent or own your home, there are several ways Texans can provide official information if you were affected by Beryl.
For homeowners, these official documents will work:
- The original deed or deed of trust to the property
- A mortgage statement or escrow analysis
- Property tax receipt or property tax bill
- Manufactured home certificate or title
- Property insurance documentation
- Letters from public officials (e.g., police chief, mayor, postmaster) and need to include the applicant’s name, address of the disaster-damaged residence, period of occupation, and the name as well as the phone number of the official verifying.
Homeowners with the same address from a previous disaster only need to verify ownership once, as FEMA expanded the date of eligible documents from three months to a year before the disaster.
SEE ALSO: Why FEMA may have denied your request for help after Hurricane Beryl
For renters, FEMA says there needs to be proof they occupied the home during the disaster, which may include any of the following documents:
- Utility bills, bank or credit card statements, phone bills, etc.
- Employer’s statement
- Written lease agreement
- Rent receipts
- Public official’s statement
- Motor vehicle registration
- Letters from local schools (public or private)
- federal or state benefit providers
- Social Service organizations
- Court documents
FEMA also says applicants can use a signed statement from a commercial/mobile home park owner or self-certification for a mobile home or travel trailer as a last resort.
For Texans who have successfully verified occupancy to FEMA from a previous disaster within two years, they do not need to apply again.