Area residents with homes damaged in the August severe storms and flooding have more time to file for federal assistance after the Federal Emergency Management Agency granted Gov. Rick Snyder’s request for an extension.
FEMA extended the application period from Nov. 24 to Dec. 14. President Barack Obama in September granted Snyder’s request for a federal disaster declaration for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
“The storms were devastating for so many Michiganders, and there is help available as winter sets in,” Snyder said. “Affected individuals may be able to get help recovering and covering damages from the flooding – from temporary housing and repairs to low-cost loans. But they need to register to be eligible. Don’t wait.”
More than 115,000 Michiganders who suffered during the August flooding have already registered. FEMA has approved more than $119 million in individual assistance.
People seeking assistance through the federal Small Business Administration also will receive additional time. The SBA application period is automatically extended through Dec. 14, though the SBA will accept applications for another 15 days if the applicant can demonstrate extenuating circumstances.
Federal funding may be available to homeowners and renters for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.
A toll-free hotline – 1-800-621-FEMA – is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Affected residents also can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov. More specific details are available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4195.