Brevard County residents can now apply for federal disaster assistance for losses caused by Hurricane Milton through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Here’s what you need to know about the process, as well as other help available:
Who is eligible for FEMA assistance?
To qualify for federal assistance under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and hurricane losses and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Sarasota County’s Siesta Key and departed through Brevard County on October 10. .
What if I have insurance?
If you have insurance, you must first file a claim with your insurance company.
If you don’t have insurance, or if insurance won’t cover your claim, you can start applying for FEMA assistance.
What type of FEMA assistance is available?
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster and underinsured for essential expenses and critical needs.
This assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot cover all losses resulting from a disaster.
The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.
What specific type of help may be available?
Program assistance for individuals and households may include:
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Money for temporary housing while you cannot continue to live in your home, such as rental subsidy or reimbursement of hotel costs.
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Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the primary residence of the household, including private access routes such as driveways, roads or bridges.
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A temporary housing unit, if approved before the disaster, when you cannot take advantage of rental subsidies due to a lack of available housing resources.
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Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes.
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Money for other uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses and serious needs.
How can I apply?
Those who have suffered Milton-related damages can register with FEMA using one of the following methods:
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Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
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On the FEMA mobile app.
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By calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). The toll-free number is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
What information do I need?
Please have the following information at hand when applying:
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Contact details (telephone number, postal address, citizen service number).
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Family income.
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Address of damaged house or apartment.
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Description of damage/lost items.
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Photos of your damaged home and belongings.
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Insurance coverage information.
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Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.
Where is more information available?
The State Assistance Information Line accepts calls 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers, available at 1-800-342-3557.
Or contact the 211 Brevard community helpline by calling 2-1-1.
What kind of help is available to businesses?
The state has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing $50 million to businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton.
Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, can visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, no-interest loans to small businesses that have suffered economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Milton.
Businesses can apply for these funds to bridge the gap while they wait for other financing, such as insurance.
Interested applicants can apply now through December 4, or until all available funds are expended.
What else can affected companies do?
FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Milton. Business owners can self-report the physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
The survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by collecting data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.
Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Milton” from the drop-down menu.
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: How to Apply for FEMA Assistance Available After Hurricane Milton
