FEMA assistance now available for local homeowners

(Seguin) — Uninsured homeowners struggling with damage are encouraged to seek assistance from FEMA.

If the winter storm has left the homeowners with repair bills, then they are asked to begin the four-step process in applying for individual assistance.

Patrick Pinder, the Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator, says with the Presidential disaster declaration issued for 77 counites in Texas, residents and businesses that sustained losses including water damage can now begin the process to apply for federal assistance.

“Individual assistance is available for citizens of Guadalupe County. That information can be found on any city’s website. There’s a 1-800 number that citizens can contact FEMA and they have to file that through FEMA on their own. That assistance is only for uninsured. If you have insurance, FEMA will not cover portions of that. So if your house flooded, you have broken pipes, you need to contact FEMA. The requirement is you have to take photographs. Then you will have to submit receipts. It’s a reimbursement. It’s not an upfront fee so you’ll have to submit your problem and then submit your receipts to FEMA for approval,” said Pinder.

Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help folks recover from the effects of the winter disaster.

The first in the four-step process for beginning an application includes taking a photo of your damaged home and belongings. Two, make a list of damaged or lost items. Three, if you have insurance, save yourself time and  file a claim with your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, skip to step four which includes applying for assistance. Call 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 for help.

View article on SeguinToday.com