The approval covers Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, along with six other counties that were affected by the storm. It is the follow-up to a major disaster declaration President Donald Trump approved Oct. 27, which only provided aid to local governments but did not offer individual assistance at the time.
Here is what you need to know.
What do I need to apply?
Applicants should be ready to provide their Social Security number, their address, a description of damage, insurance information, household income, a working phone number and bank account information for direct deposit or a mailed check.
How do I apply?
Homeowners and renters can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, which is available on Google Play or Apple’s App Store, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. Those who use a video relay service can call the main helpline and give an agent their assigned number.
What can FEMA pay for?
Depending on what program is approved and household eligibility, individual assistance can pay for temporary housing, basic home repairs, personal property claims and other disaster-related expenses.
The most a person will receive from the federal government is $44,800 for housing and another $44,800 for other needs.
During Hurricane Sally in 2020, FEMA approved $2.9 million for 700 homeowners in Santa Rosa County, which was about $4,142 per person.
How should I document damage?
According to FEMA, residents should document damage to their home and belongings and make a list of damaged or lost items. Those records can be used by FEMA and insurance companies.
FEMA also recommends keeping receipts for repairs, temporary housing and other storm-related expenses.
Most applicants will be contacted to schedule a home inspection. After that, FEMA will send the resident a decision letter or an email. Applicants who are denied can appeal in writing up to 60 days from the date of the letter.
How do I avoid scams?
FEMA does not charge application or inspection fees. Inspectors carry federal photo identification on them.
FEMA adds that people should not give personal or banking information to anyone who calls or comes to the door claiming they are FEMA without verifying who they are.
