Applications for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are due Oct. 12.
The agency is offering financial help to Vermonters who suffered damage from the July flooding through its Individuals and Households Program, but there are rules and limits set on what applicants can actually get. Here’s a breakdown.
Who can apply for FEMA aid?
As of Sept. 29, Vermonters from nine counties — Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor — can apply for assistance, according to the agency’s website.
The time period for the disaster relief includes damage from July 7 to 21 — recently extended from July 17. State officials have asked FEMA to declare a separate disaster in Addison and Rutland counties for flooding that occurred in early August. If that happens, it would most likely start a new application process for that damage alone.
Both renters and homeowners can qualify for FEMA assistance for rental costs that were incurred because they were displaced by flood damage. Only homeowners or property owners, including landlords, can qualify for FEMA assistance for the cost of repairs of flood damage, with a $41,000 limit.
Individuals must also meet citizenship and immigration requirements in order to be considered for aid.
Owners and renters can qualify for aid to replace personal property, but the aid is limited to what FEMA considers essential items: appliances, basic furnishings, necessary clothing, items needed for work and school, and accessibility items for people with disabilities.
Other expenses FEMA might cover include disaster-related child care expenses, medical and dental expenses, and moving and storage expenses.
More details about what FEMA covers under the Individuals and Households Program is available here.
What does the application process look like?
There are several ways to apply for FEMA aid. You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, through FEMA’s mobile app, or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
There are also three disaster recovery centers open in Vermont — at the Ludlow Community Center, Barre Auditorium and Waterbury Armory — where you can apply in person with help from FEMA employees. Some recovery centers were opened in other affected areas but have since closed down.
FEMA responders are considered a critical workforce, which means they would continue to work in the event of a government shutdown.
You can expect FEMA to ask for details such as your Social Security number and home address. If FEMA cannot confirm that you own the residence you’re applying for, the agency might ask you to provide proof of ownership. A FEMA inspector might come to your home or residence to inspect the property to verify damage.
If you have any flood insurance, FEMA recommends you file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. FEMA can only provide aid after you get your insurance settlement or are denied by your insurer.
What happens if I get denied?
FEMA may send you a letter in response to your request telling you that your application was incomplete or that you are ineligible for assistance. In either case, you have 60 days from the receipt of the letter to appeal the agency’s decision or provide additional information. You can also appeal to seek additional money or a different type of assistance.
You can file the appeal using the agency’s website, in person at a disaster recovery center or by mail.
Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont have put together more information on filing an appeal, including a sample appeal letter, on the Vermont Law Help website. They also operate a hotline at 800-889-2047 that can help answer all flood-related questions and issues.
FEMA might also refer you to the Small Business Administration rather than directly providing aid, even if you are not a business owner. According to FEMA, if you are referred to the SBA, you must apply for an SBA loan in order to be considered for certain types of FEMA assistance.
If you apply for an SBA loan and are rejected, FEMA might consider you for FEMA assistance instead, according to the agency.
