For More Than Registering – FEMA Helpline Helps

PURVIS, Miss. – Those affected by the recent Mississippi tornados, storms and flooding can use the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Helpline for more than registering for assistance. It’s a valuable tool in the recovery process.

By calling 800-621-3362, applicants also can:

• Check status of an application.
• Get answers to any other questions they might have about their application.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information and provide it.
• Receive information on the home inspection process.
• Get answers to any question regarding insurance and its bearing on FEMA assistance.
• Update insurance information.
• Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant.
• Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision.

All of this can be done by calling the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. C-Spire wireless customers can reach the Helpline by calling #362.

Applicants can stay in touch with FEMA through the Helpline, online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web-enabled mobile devices.

Survivors creating an online profile may view application status or FEMA documents sent to them, but cannot submit new information other than contact data.

Insured applicants should not wait to file an insurance claim. They should provide FEMA with a copy of the insurance settlement as soon as it is available. If the applicant was determined ineligible for federal assistance, an inadequate insurance settlement may prompt FEMA to reconsider that decision.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazard

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

###