Focus at Four: Deadline approaching to apply for FEMA aid from spring storms

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - KBTX spoke with FEMA about deadlines for individuals to apply for assistance following the effects of spring storms between April 26 to June 5. On the same day, it was announced individuals can now apply for FEMA aid from the impacts of Beryl.

Nikki Gaskins Campbell, a FEMA media relations specialist, joined KBTX. She said the original deadline to apply was July 15 but that it has been extended to August 15. You can visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center or call or apply online. Click here for how to locate a center or contact FEMA.

Campbell says to be sure to contact your insurance first, but that even if you have it, reach out to FEMA.

“Often we hear that well, I might make too much money. I don’t know if I’m eligible for disaster assistance, but the reality is your income is not dependent on if you’re eligible for disaster assistance. We also hear some people say, well, I have insurance, but the reality is, do you have enough insurance? You may be underinsured,” said Campbell.

The counties eligible for individual assistance from spring storms are Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker and Waller counties.

On Friday, Acting Governor Dan Patrick announced that at his request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency amended the Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Beryl to include 15 Texas counties he requested for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

That means that Texans in the following counties are eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Wharton counties. Texans who live in these fifteen counties can apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

According to a release from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, a request for additional counties will be added.

Before the storm, on Saturday Acting Governor Dan Patrick added 81 counties to the state’s Hurricane Beryl Disaster Declaration, which included all of the Brazos Valley.

On Wednesday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 67 Texas counties were approved by President Biden for federal disaster assistance as part of a Major Disaster Declaration.

That declaration allows for reimbursement to local governments and some nonprofits. Friday’s announcement allows individuals in 15 counties to make claims.

According to a release from Dan Patrick’s office, for this request to be approved, Texas and FEMA had to assess damaged homes, as required by federal law, before making the request. Texans who live in these fifteen counties can apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

Patrick says they will update you on additional counties as they are added once a damage assessment is completed.