FEMA extends deadline for storm relief funds
Disaster assistance applications are due on May 8
At the request of the state of Michigan, FEMA has extended the deadline for those affected by severe storms last August to apply for federal assistance.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in Macomb County and eight other Michigan counties who were affected by the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding now have until May 8 to apply with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA mobile app.
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.
A Disaster Recovery Center is open at the Chesterfield Township Fire Station on 23 Mile Road from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday until further notice.
At the recovery center, specialists from FEMA, the state and the SBA are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance. No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.
For needs not covered by insurance or other sources, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:
• Rental assistance if you need to relocate because of storm damage
• Personal property that was damaged or destroyed by the storms
• Lodging reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily
• Basic home repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by the storms
• Other serious needs caused by the storms
In addition to the assistance listed, survivors should be aware:
• Only one application per household
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food
• By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources
When you apply with FEMA, have the following information ready:
• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address at the time of the disaster
• Address where you are staying now
• Social Security Number of one member of the household