Application deadline for FEMA assistance extended to May 8

At the request of the state of Michigan, FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for federal assistance. Homeowners and renters in Ionia, Eaton, Kent, Ingham, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties who were affected by the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding now have until May 8, 2024, to apply.

The deadline to apply with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is now Wednesday, May 8, 2024. 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.

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 Basic list of damage and losses Bank information if you choose direct deposit for FEMA money Insurance Information: if you have insurance, including the policy number If you have homeowners' or renter's insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Remember to keep receipts from all your purchases related to the cleanup and repair. More information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan can be found at fema.gov/disaster/4757.