Vermont Business Magazine Vermonters affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 29-31, 2024, may be eligible to receive FEMA Individual Assistance.
If you reside in the counties of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans and were affected by the severe weather, you should apply as soon as possible.
FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing, home repairs, privately-owned roads and bridges, and other disaster-related needs – and the faster you apply, the sooner you can get aid.
There are four ways to apply:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
- Download the FEMA’s Mobile App.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For location and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.
To watch a video about how to apply, featuring American Sign Language, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).
Please keep in mind that the July 29-31, 2024 severe storms and flooding is separate from the July 9-11, 2024 severe storms and flooding.
Myths vs. Facts Regarding FEMA Individual Assistance
In the aftermath of a disaster, misconceptions about federal disaster assistance can often prevent survivors from applying for help. Get the facts below and learn more about assistance available for Vermonters impacted by severe weather. A good guideline: apply, even if you’re unsure you’ll be eligible.
FEMA recently revised its Disaster Assistance Program to help survivors recover faster. These updates apply to disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024.
Myth: FEMA will not provide financial compensation for pre-existing home damage.
FACT: If you are a homeowner and lived in the home at the time of the disaster, you may be eligible to receive money to repair your residence, help with utilities and residential infrastructure, or to help replace your primary residence when the residence is destroyed. The money can also help with fixing areas of your home damaged by the disaster even if there was a pre-existing condition in that part of the home.
Myth: FEMA does not provide housing assistance for disaster survivors.
FACT: FEMA’s new Displacement Assistance benefit can help with immediate housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit.
Myth: If I already have insurance, FEMA will not help me.
FACT: If you received an insurance payout that did not cover the cost of damage to your home or property, you may still be eligible to receive money from FEMA.
Keep in mind, FEMA assistance is not a replacement for home, renters or flood insurance, and will not cover all losses from a disaster.
Myth: I need to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan before being considered for assistance.
FACT: You now have the option to apply for a low-interest SBA loan at the same time you apply for FEMA assistance.
For more information about the updated Individual Assistance process, please visit Reforming Individual Assistance.
Myth: I must write a letter to appeal FEMA’s decision.
FACT: If you disagree with a FEMA decision and wish to appeal, you will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation. You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal your FEMA’s decision or award amount for that type of assistance. For more information about how to appeal, please visit: How to Appeal a FEMA Decision | FEMA.gov
Myth: Calling 211 automatically registered me for FEMA assistance.
FACT: FEMA’s application is not connected to 211. If you have damage, you should report it to 211 AND apply for FEMA assistance.
To apply for FEMA assistance, visit one of our Disaster Recovery Centers – locations and hours are available at fema.gov/drc. You can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
211 is run by the United Ways of Vermont. It connects callers to local health, employment, food and other community services. When callers report damage, 211 reports it to the state, which helps the state direct resources where they need to go.
For the latest information visit 4826 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on X at https://x.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.
Source: 9.27.2024. Williston, Vt. – FEMA
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