(Indianapolis, IN) — Residents in Dearborn, Decatur and Franklin counties who suffered uninsured damage from August storms, tornadoes and flooding may now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance.
The three southeastern Indiana counties are among 22 counties included in the federal disaster declaration.
Homeowners and renters may qualify for assistance with temporary lodging, basic home repairs, lost personal property and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
Residents who have homeowners, renters or flood insurance should file a claim with their insurance company before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits already covered by insurance, but assistance may be available for expenses that insurance does not fully cover.
The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Residents may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Phone number, mailing address, email address and the address of the damaged home
- Social Security number
- A general list of damage and losses
- Annual household income
- Banking information if requesting direct deposit
- Insurance policy information, if applicable
FEMA and the State of Indiana also plan to offer one-on-one assistance in community locations and recovery centers in affected areas in the coming days.
Residents who have already applied for assistance through the Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund must submit a separate FEMA application if they have additional unmet needs.
The state fund provides eligible Hoosiers with up to $5,000 for immediate needs. State disaster relief is available for both the June and August severe weather events, while FEMA Individual Assistance currently applies only to damage from the August storms.
Other state resources, including extended SNAP benefits, temporary housing vouchers and Indiana 211 damage reporting, will continue while recovery needs are being assessed.
More information about the State Disaster Relief Fund is available at on.in.gov/sdrf.
