FEMA on the Ground:
(ABOVE) A FEMA specialist helps a survivor with the application at the Disaster Recovery Center in Knott County.
By the Numbers: As of March 4, FEMA has approved more than $9.4 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 1,200 Kentucky households. More applications are being processed daily.
FAQ of the Day:
Q. Do I have to wait for an insurance denial before filing for FEMA assistance?
A. No, you do not have to wait for an insurance claim denial before applying with FEMA. Homeowners and renters affected by a disaster are encouraged to file their insurance claim and apply for FEMA assistance. When you apply to FEMA, you’ll be asked if you have insurance, and this information will be considered during the processing of your application. If you haven’t received your settlement or denial letter, you can upload it to your FEMA application when you receive it. In many cases, disasters can cause power outages or lead to damage from extreme temperatures. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance often covers repairs for these types of damage. However, if your policy doesn’t cover it, FEMA might be able to provide additional help.
How To Apply for FEMA Assistance
If you sustained damage or loss from the flooding and severe storms, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.- Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
- Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Simpson are eligible to apply.
- The application deadline is April 25, 2025.
Disaster Recovery Centers
- Eight Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike counties. Find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.
- FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers. Additional locations will continue opening in the coming days.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Additional Resources
§ Understanding Your FEMA Eligibility Letter
§ Clean & Sanitize: FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup.
§ Be alert to fraud: Con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after disasters.
§ Tax relief for survivors: IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides in Kentucky; various deadlines postponed to Nov. 3 | Internal Revenue Service
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