Residents struggling to rebuild their lives in flood-ravaged eastern Kentucky counties should call their insurance company first, then the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, but if you don’t have insurance or your policy doesn’t cover all of your flood expenses or losses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
The federal agency announced Saturday that President Joe Biden had approved individual disaster assistance for people in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties.
On Tuesday afternoon, FEMA announced that residents of Floyd and Pike counties are now also eligible for assistance.
That assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help people and businesses recover from flooding.
How to Apply for FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance
To register for assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile phone app.
If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, provide FEMA with the number for that service. you can find a accessible video on how to apply for FEMA relief online.
The agency has also opened mobile assistance centers for those who wish to apply in person.
On Monday, FEMA opened a mobile registration center in Knott County, one of the hardest-hit counties. Since then, centers have opened in Clay, Breathitt, Letcher and Perry.
Hours for all centers are 7 am to 7 pm daily.
The locations are as follows:
- Breathitt County, 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
- Clay County, Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
- Knott County, Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop No. 8765, Leburn, KY 41831
- Letcher County, Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Road, Whitesburg, KY 41858
- Perry County, Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
What do you need to apply?
According to FEMA, applicants should have the following on hand when they apply:
- A current phone number
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are currently staying
- Your Social Security number
- A general list of damages and losses to your property
- Your bank information if you choose direct deposit, which is recommended to speed up payment
- If insured, policy number or agent and/or company name
Tips for Applying for FEMA Assistance
The Herald-Leader spoke with FEMA spokesman Nate Custer, who encouraged disaster victims to apply for assistance with the agency, even if they have flood insurance.
Before you apply, Custer said, call your insurance company. FEMA representatives need to know if there have been any insurance agreements and what insurance will and will not cover.
When applying to FEMA for help, Custer advised only one person per household registration. Don’t have two people on the same address register, he told the Herald-Leader.
FEMA representatives will be going door-to-door in the coming days, Custer said. They will carry photo ID badges and tablets, allowing them to start their application and answer questions.
Once someone has registered, Custer said, they are given a special nine-digit PIN that they can use to track the status of their claim.
FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but can help in areas where you may be underinsured. Custer said the agency can offer low-interest loans that have been as low as 2% in recent years.
Additionally, the US Small Business Administration can help homeowners and renters, Custer said, adding that it’s a common misconception that the agency only helps businesses. Custer encouraged homeowners and renters to apply with the SBA also.
Assistance from FEMA and the SBA “can make a difference for people,” Custer said.
This story can be updated.
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This story was originally published August 2, 2022 2:25 p.m.
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