HOUSTON — Many residents in and around the Houston area who were impacted by Hurricane Beryl have applied for federal assistance from FEMA -- but some are being denied.
Last week, President Joe Biden announced that he amended the Major Disaster Declaration to authorize "additional federal assistance to disaster survivors to help aid in their recovery from Hurricane Beryl."
In a social media post, FEMA listed out reasons applicants may be denied federal assistance, saying it's "more common than you think."
The top five reasons for FEMA assistance denial include:
- Insurance coverage for the loss
- Damages may not rise to the need for federal assistance
- The damaged home may not be a primary residence
- FEMA assistance would constitute a duplication of benefits from other sources
- Inspectors have been unable to reach applicants at the contact information provided
FEMA said "Read your decision letter carefully to find out next steps" or you can visit the FAQ page here.
The money is for those who are underinsured or uninsured and they can register here. Officials said the link is active and to make sure you apply for Hurricane Beryl assistance.
Assistance is available to people in these counties:
- Brazoria
- Chambers
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Harris
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Liberty
- Matagorda
- Montgomery
- Orange
- Polk
- San Jacinto
- Walker
- Wharton
RELATED: FEMA grants Harris County, 15 other counties individual assistance due to Beryl | How to apply
RELATED: FEMA otorga asistencia individual al condado de Harris y a otros 15 condados debido a Beryl
How to apply
Apply Online
- Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov and in Spanish language at DisasterAssistance.gov/es. This is the fastest way to apply if they have access to a smartphone or a computer.
Apply with the FEMA App
- Download the FEMA mobile app and in Spanish language, available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Apply by Phone at 800-621-3362
- Call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362.
- The helpline is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time with language translation available.
- FEMA operators can help in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic and any other languages, as needed.
Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center
- Visit any Disaster Recovery Center, for locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.
