Applying for Federal Aid In Debby's Wake

Need financial assistance with recovering from Tropical Storm Debby-related damage to your home or business?  How about recovering from other disaster-related expenses?

Pasco is one of 11 Florida counties where those who need help in Debby’s wake can apply for federal assistance.

FEMA describes the process you need to follow in the below press release:

Tropical Storm Debby survivors in Florida’s Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee and Wakulla counties can apply now for federal disaster assistance.

Money for temporary housing and essential home repairs not covered by insurance is available. Renters, homeowners and business owners may register for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

If you live in one of the designated counties and sustained losses or damages from Tropical Storm Debby, you can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

• Call 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

• Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

• By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

• The telephone number where you can be reached

• The address where you lived at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying

• Your Social Security number

• A general description of damage to your property and other losses

• The name of your insurance company and policy number or agent if you have property insurance

and

• Your bank account routing information if you want FEMA to use direct deposit

Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loan electronically from SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.