FEMA again extends application deadline

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

FRANKFORT —Homeowners and renters affected by severe flooding earlier this year in Lawrence, Johnson, Floyd and Martin counties have more time to apply for federal assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has again extended the deadline for Kentuckians affected by severe storms to apply for assistance under the individual assistance program. The new deadline is July 23.

“We are grateful that FEMA granted this extension because it will allow more Kentuckians to receive much-needed assistance following historic flooding in the commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear, who requested the extension, said. “All eligible Kentuckians should take advantage of this service as soon as possible before the new July 23 deadline.”

Homeowners and renters affected by severe flooding in 31 counties, including Lawrence, Johnson, Floyd and Martin, are eligible for federal help.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov. If it is not possible to register online, Kentuckians can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Applicants should have the following information ready in order to register: address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred; current mailing address; current telephone number; Social Security number; insurance information; total household annual income; routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds; and a general description of disaster damage and losses.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the storms.

President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration on April 23, at Beshear’s request, to make federal funding available for Kentucky families and communities to recover from the severe flooding from Feb. 27 to March 14, 2021. On May 28, Beshear announced additional assistance for more counties affected by the historic flooding.