FEMA Officials: Don’t Wait for Insurance Settlement to Seek Disaster Aid

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas residents living in any of the nine counties declared a federal disaster area do not have to wait for an insurance settlement to register for disaster aid for damage from the severe spring storms.

“Arkansans may find they are underinsured or that their policies do not cover temporary housing while repairing or rebuilding their homes,” said Nancy M. Casper, the federal coordinating officer with FEMA. “Don’t wait for an insurance settlement before registering with FEMA — you could miss out on disaster aid you may be eligible for.”

Residents of Crawford, Garland, Howard, Jefferson, Little River, Miller, Perry, Sebastian and Sevier counties affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of May 7 to June 15, 2015 may be eligible for disaster assistance.

Many of those with damage from the storms have already filed claims for damage through their insurance.  Recovery officials urge homeowners and renters to register for FEMA disaster assistance as well, even while waiting on an insurance settlement.

Once registered, applicants who expect their insurance policy to cover storm-related loss and damages are mailed a “Request for Information.” The letter details additional information to support the applicant’s need for federal disaster assistance. Applications are reviewed as part of the verification process by FEMA to avoid duplicating insurance payments.

“Don’t forget to call FEMA to update your application after you have settled with your insurance company,” said Casper. “Even if you are insured, your policy may not cover everything. Updating FEMA with insurance information could mean you are eligible for additional assistance funds.”

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

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 hazards.