Aid approved under FEMA Individual Assistance Program

Historic City News has received official notification that homeowners, renters and business owners in St Johns County are approved to apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damages and losses resulting from Hurricane Matthew.

To be eligible for federal aid under this program, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Matthew, beginning on October 3.

“Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs,” Emergency Management Director Linda Stoughton told local reporters.  “Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance if they do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.”

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled. Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible.

If you have access, you may register:

• Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Smartphone access the FEMA Mobile App
• Voice callers 800-621-3362 (FEMA)
• Visually impaired 711 or VRS users call 800-621-3362
• Hearing impaired TTY users may call 800-462-7585

The toll-free numbers are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. Press “2” for Spanish and press “3” for other languages.