FEMA Disaster Assistance: Federal Funding Available for Some Texas Counties After Deadly, Destructive Storm in Houston Area

FEMA is providing disaster assistance to Texans recovering from last week’s destructive storm and last month’s flooding.

The agency said assistance is available for residents of Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties.

FEMA says if you suffered damage from the storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began on April 26, you may be eligible for a one-time payment of $750 per household through their Serious Need Assistance program ( SNA).

Officials said this payment would be in addition to any other aid.

To qualify for SNA, you must tell FEMA on your application that you are displaced, need shelter, or have other emergency expenses due to the disaster.

You may be eligible for additional help if:

• You complete a FEMA application;

• FEMA can confirm your identity;

• The home where you live most of the year is in a declared disaster area;

• FEMA confirms disaster damage from an inspection or documents you submit, and;

• You request FEMA assistance when Serious Needs Assistance and Relocation Assistance are available.

Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA application or by calling the FEMA hotline at 1-800-621-3362.

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Officials say one thing to watch out for — and something disasters often bring out — are scammers, who tend to pose as official disaster relief workers or federal agents.

Scammers will try to help you complete your FEMA relief application, but in doing so, they steal your private information.

FEMA urges everyone affected by severe weather to ensure that the inspector who visits your home or business is from the agency.

Harris County Judge Line Hidalgo gave a similar warning during a news conference Sunday.

“They will be wearing FEMA shirts like the ones the FEMA representative here is wearing,” she said. “They’ll have official badges. They won’t get in marked cars because they probably have a rental car or something.”

Officials said you can always call the agency to confirm the identity of an inspector. They also reminded residents that inspectors will not come to their homes unless they have submitted an application and will never ask them for money.

For more information on federal assistance, visit the FEMA website.

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