FEMA and SBA May Offer Texas Renters Disaster Assistance

Texas renters who were affected by the storms and flooding that occurred May 4 through June 19 may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). Assistance may include:

• A short-term rental grant to assist with rent at a new location.
• A free referral service to help identify another rental property.
• A low-interest loan from the SBA to repair or replace damaged personal property.

Additional FEMA grant assistance may be available for eligible survivors, including renters, with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster, such as:

• Disaster-related medical and dental expenses.
• Repair or replacement of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, including household items, such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by students or the self-employed for their jobs.
• Essential vehicle damaged by the disaster.
• Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses.

To be eligible for assistance, a survivor:

• Must reside in one of the counties designated for Individual Assistance.

• Must have damages resulting from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight line winds and flooding that occurred May 4 through June 19.

The first step in the process is to register with FEMA either online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Some survivors will need to complete a loan application from the SBA. If the SBA is unable to approve a loan, it may refer the applicant to be considered for other disaster aid.

After a survivor registers, a FEMA inspector may call to set a date for an inspection. During the inspection, applicants should be sure to point out all personal property that has been lost and show receipts for items that have been replaced due to the disaster.

Following the inspection, applicants receive a letter explaining their eligibility status.

For more information on Texas disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4223.