Kentucky flood victims who haven’t applied for FEMA assistance are running out of time

Aaron Mudd

Survivors of the deadly floods that swept through eastern Kentucky in July now have less than 10 days to apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the deadline for federal disaster assistance closes in.

For people in 13 Kentucky counties – Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley – the deadline for individual assistance is Wednesday, Sept. 28.

According to FEMA, the assistance the agency offers aims to help disaster survivors meet their basic needs and get back on their feet. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments.

Still, the agency can help with home repairs and replacement costs, rental assistance and even child care, along with other disaster-related issues.

As of Sept. 8, the federal agency said 13,527 individuals had applied for assistance related to the flooding in eastern Kentucky. At least 7,100 them have been approved, and the agency has started providing monetary relief, including small payments to cover contractor assessments.

For those who have already applied, state leaders have urged those denied to appeal the decision. Those who haven’t yet applied are running out of time.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, and applying is free. Here’s what to know.

This is what you need to know about FEMA assistance for Eastern Kentucky flooding

How to apply for federal assistance

Kentuckians affected by the July flood disaster can apply in one of four ways:

  1. Call FEMA at 800-621-3362

  2. Apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov

  3. Download FEMA’s smartphone app

  4. Visit a disaster recovery center at one of the following locations:

  • Breathitt County: Breathitt Library, 1024 College Ave., Jackson

  • Clay County: Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester

  • Floyd County: Foley Mission Center, 6134 KY-80, Martin (across from Save A Lot)

  • Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop No. 8765, Leburn

  • Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Road, Whitesburg

  • Perry County: Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard

  • Pike County: Dorton Community Center, 112 Dorton Hill Road, Jenkins

What do I need to apply for relief with FEMA?

According to FEMA, applicants should have the following documents on hand when they apply for federal assistance:

  1. A current phone number

  2. Your address at the time of the disaster and your current address

  3. Your Social Security number

  4. A general rundown of what needs to be fixed or replaced at your home

  5. Your banking information if you choose direct deposit, which is recommended to speed up the payment process

  6. If you have insurance, call your insurer first and give FEMA your policy number or the agent and/or company’s name

Are missing documents holding up your flood relief from FEMA? Try these alternatives

What if I’m missing certain documents?

FEMA is required by law to verify occupancy or ownership before it can offer you some kinds of federal assistance.

So what do you do if you can’t provide certain documents, like the deed to your home, because everything you own has been destroyed? Below is a short list of alternatives FEMA will accept.

Ways to prove home ownership:

  • Mortgage documents

  • Insurance documents

  • Property tax receipts/bills

  • Receipts for major home repairs and improvements

  • A letter from a public official verifying that you own the property

Ways to prove home occupancy:

  • Utility bills in your name

  • Employer’s documents or records from your child’s school

  • A copy of your lease

  • Rent receipts

  • A letter from a public official verifying that you were occupying the property

What if I can’t find documents to prove ownership or occupancy?

As a last resort, FEMA may accept written, self-declarative statements from survivors in mobile homes or travel trailers who struggle to obtain traditional forms of documentation. The agency may also accept these statements as a last resort from applicants living in insular areas, islands and tribal lands.

Self-declarative statements may be written post-disaster, but must be provided to FEMA in writing.

Do you have a question about recovery in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.

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