Hurricane Hermine Survivors: Assistance Still Available, 30 Days Left to Register for Federal Disaster Aid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Survivors rebuilding their lives from Hurricane Hermine have 30 days left to register for federal disaster assistance. The storm caused widespread damage along Florida’s western coastline. The State of Florida, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to support individual and family recovery efforts.

As of close of business Oct. 27, 2016, nearly $38 million in federal assistance has been provided to homeowners, renters and business owners in designated areas for Hurricane Hermine, including:

• $27 million in flood insurance approved for policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• More than $5.5 million approved to help individuals and families recover from the disaster, including more than $4.5 million for housing assistance.

• Nearly $5.4 million in SBA disaster loans to both individuals and businesses.

Individuals who have underinsured or uninsured damages or losses from Hurricane Hermine and who live in the eight eligible counties still have until Monday, Nov. 28, to register for FEMA assistance. The counties included in the federal disaster declaration are Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco and Pinellas

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, which is Video Relay Service (VRS) accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Don’t wait to register. Applying for federal disaster assistance now may help if you still have unmet needs after receiving your insurance payment. While FEMA cannot duplicate assistance covered by insurance, you may still be eligible for assistance for losses not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, are nontaxable and do not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Register with FEMA and, if asked, complete and return the SBA loan application. There is no charge to apply for the loan and no obligation to accept it if approved. SBA low-interest disaster loans can help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations rebuild. Homeowners can receive loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residences. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property including vehicles. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2,000,000 for disaster-related losses.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.