HOUSTON — Across social media apps, dozens of groups are solely focused on sharing information to determine how long it takes to receive their approved financial assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Beryl.
FEMA told the KHOU 11 Verify Team that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is handling the processing of funds for what's classified as Other Needs Assistance (ONA) and the $750 one-time payments classified as Serious Needs Assistance (SNA).
In late July, HHSC confirmed to KHOU 11 that the general timeline for funds to be distributed is around 10 business days after approval.
The KHOU 11 Verify Team followed up with HHSC for answers to viewers' questions after we continued to receive emails about extended delays in getting approved funds.
THE SOURCES
QUESTION #1
Is it true that the $750 emergency assistance check from FEMA is from the state of Texas and FEMA is only responsible for disbursing funds?
ANSWER
The answer is no.
HHSC is handling Hurricane Beryl payouts classified as Other Needs Assistance (ONA) and the $750 one-time payment from FEMA for Serious Needs Assistance (SNA).
The ONA is 75 percent federally funded and 25 percent state-funded. Program funds can be distributed in three different ways including: solely by FEMA, jointly by the state and FEMA or solely by the state.
According to Texas HHS, the state jointly works with FEMA to distribute the funds.
For all disasters after March 22, 2024, the federal agency adjusted the Individual Assistance program. Under the changes, the Critical Needs Assistance was replaced with a Serious Needs Assistance program. You can read more about the changes here.
QUESTION #2
From Tina: Why hasn't the state distributed the money for those who have applied?
ANSWER
In an email response to the KHOU 11 Verify Team, HHSC says it has distributed $384 million in Other Needs Assistance to Hurricane Beryl disaster survivors in the Houston area.
The state agency also said there were significant delays in getting payments to survivors because of limitations of its claims processing system. To help more people get their FEMA-approved funds, $53 million was transferred to the Texas Comptroller's Office to help make deposits and mail checks.
QUESTION #3
From Diana: I called FEMA, and they advised me that the state of Texas was dispersing payments. (FEMA asked) For me to call 1 (800) 582-5233 for updates, but every time I call the number it just says they are unable to take the call, and the call disconnects.
ANSWER
In a response to the KHOU 11 Verify Team, HHSC said they are working to expand the hotline's capacity and are working to hire new staff. The state has to meet FEMA guidelines that require all staff to have fingerprint background checks.