Michigan residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties with property damage from the August 24-26, 2023 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding may now call or go online to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.
To start the application process, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Those who already made repairs or started their recovery should still apply. The deadline to apply for assistance is Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
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If you haven’t already, apply with FEMA. Homeowners and renters in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties with uninsured or underinsured damage caused by the August 24 - 26, 2023, disaster are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
If you already made repairs or started your recovery, you can still apply. FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related damage documentation as well.
- Next, comes a call. Typically, after you apply, you will be contacted by a FEMA inspector to schedule an appointment. Be sure to answer the phone. The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable.”
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Then, inspection day. The inspection includes looking at disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. FEMA inspectors will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form.
The inspector will ask to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, occupancy, ownership status, household occupants and insurance coverage. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and ASL interpreters, are available to ensure effective communication with survivors.
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Don’t forget to fill out and submit your U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. After applying for disaster assistance, applicants may be referred to the SBA. There’s no obligation to accept a loan, but you may miss out on the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds if you don’t apply. If you don’t qualify for an SBA disaster loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for other types of grant assistance.
- Finally, a decision will be sent to you. You will receive a letter explaining FEMA's eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspector's visit. Be sure to read it closely; it may explain additional steps needed to continue with the process. If you are eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit based on what you selected during your application.
FEMA is not allowed to provide disaster assistance for certain losses covered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to individuals and households to help with disaster losses.
Different types of loans:
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - funding to cover small business operating expenses after a declared disaster.
- Physical Damage Loan - covers repairs and replacement of physical assets damaged in a declared disaster.
- Mitigation Assistance - expanded funding to make improvements to eliminate future damage.
Benefits of a disaster loan:
- Low fixed interest rate with terms up to 30 years
- Automatic no payments and no interest for 12 months from the date of the
first disbursement - Apply before insurance is settled
- Unsecured up to $25,000
- Up to $2 million to cover physical damage and financial losses
- Funds available for mitigation measures to build back better, more resilient
What you will need to apply for a disaster loan:
- Cell phone and contact information for all applicants
- Social Security numbers and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) for all applicants / owners
- Financial information (e.g., income, account balances, monthly expenses etc.
- Complete copy of the most recent Federal income tax return
- Insurance information, if available
Ways to apply:
- Visit: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
- Call (800) 659-2955 to locate a Recovery Center
Stay up to date on the current news releases here: News Releases (michigan.gov)
Recovering from one disaster can mean being better prepared for the next. That’s why FEMA offers a variety of assistance programs before, during, and after a disaster. Here are some answers to common questions about how you and FEMA can work together to reduce hazards to your life and property.