HOUSTON – It’s been nearly three weeks since Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston area, leaving millions without power and homes damaged. Those impacted are ready to get back to their normal routine and life, as they wait to fix their homes or get reimbursed for the money spent during the storm’s aftermath.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has since approved the Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Beryl to include 17 impacted Texas counties.
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If you have applied for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Beryl, it’s essential to understand the next steps in the process to ensure you receive the support you need.
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Here’s what FEMA requires and what you should expect:
- Home inspection: If your primary residence was damaged and is not livable, you may need a home inspection to verify the damage. FEMA will notify you by letter or electronically. Inspections are typically conducted in person, but exterior inspections can be arranged if you have COVID-19 concerns.
- Submit documentation: You can submit necessary documents through DisasterAssistance.gov or visit a FEMA Documentation Drop-off Center. These centers allow you to apply for assistance, ask questions, have your documents scanned into your case file, and returned to you.
- Proof of occupancy: FEMA requires verification of home occupancy and ownership if you’re applying for certain types of housing assistance. Approved documents for verification can be viewed on the FEMA website.
- Further assistance: If you are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, you may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans to further aid your recovery. FEMA assistance provides funds for basic repairs to make your home safe, sanitary, and livable.
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I got approved for reimbursement -- where’s my check?
According to FEMA, applicants can expect to receive a letter within 10 days of explaining FEMA’s eligibility decision. If you are eligible, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit within about 10 days of the inspector’s visit. You will also receive a follow-up letter explaining how the money can be used.
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If you are applying for a grant, the funds may be issued seven to 10 days after your application. However, for larger scale disasters such as Hurricane Beryl, it can take one to two months to receive reimbursement for eligible lodging expenses after receipts are submitted.
If you have questions about your application, you can call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1‐800‐621‐3362.