Here's How Pinellas Residents Can Get Federal Disaster Relief Funds

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Assistance for individuals and businesses is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages or losses due to Hurricane Ian.

Individuals in Pinellas County who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian may be eligible for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

And impacted homeowners, renters and businesses may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Stay up to date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants can call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-462-7585.

Pinellas County Emergency Management staff has requested support from FEMA to open at least one FEMA disaster recovery center in Pinellas County.

Residents can continue to report damages to personal property and businesses by clicking here.

Residents can apply one of three ways:

• Through the FEMA app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play). The FEMA app allows residents to upload and share photos of damage, access local resources and toggle between English and Spanish.
• They can also apply online if they have internet access.
• By calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585).

Within 10 days after registering, a FEMA inspector will call to schedule an appointment. At the appointment, the following documents will be needed:

• Photo ID: driver’s license or passport.
• Proof of occupancy: lease or utility bill.
• Proof of ownership: deed, title, mortgage, payment book or tax receipts.

Within 10 days after the inspector’s visit, applicants will be sent a decision letter.

Payments for eligible applicants will be made via check or an electronic funds transfer.

Low-interest Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters and businesses in Pinellas County who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website and should apply under SBA declaration number 17644.

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Paper loan applications can also be downloaded here. Completed applications should be mailed to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 28. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 29, 2023.

Additional advice and information for residents

Take photos of your damaged property and make a list of all damaged or lost items.

If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company prior to applying for disaster assistance.