FEMA: Storm Survivors May Be Eligible For Lodging Reimbursement

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 24 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

Missourians who have registered with FEMA may be eligible for reimbursement if they paid out-of-pocket expenses for temporary lodging because of damage to their primary residences from recent flooding, severe storms and tornadoes.

Lodging expenses may be eligible for reimbursement if an applicant:

* registers with FEMA

* passes identity verification

* verifies occupancy in a primary residence within a designated county

* verifies that the primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible

* incurs disaster-related temporary lodging expenses from April 29 to July 5

* does not have insurance that would cover lodging; and

* did not receive lodging assistance during the same timeframe.

Reimbursement funds are available for eligible applicants under FEMA's Individuals and Households Program. Survivors who are approved for lodging reimbursement must submit zero-balance receipts to FEMA to receive payment. Reimbursement will not cover incidental costs such as phone calls, laundry, internet, food, movies or pet care.

The 20 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance are: Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Lafayette, Lincoln, Livingston, Miller, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski and St. Charles counties.

Missouri residents affected by April 29-July 5 storms and flooding have until Sept. 9 to register for disaster assistance. Registering is free and takes about 20 minutes. There are three ways to register:

* Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

* Call the disaster assistance helpline: 800-621-FEMA (3362). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Help is available in most languages.

* Visit a disaster recovery center. To find one, go to FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call the helpline.

Follow recovery updates in Missouri on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7. Get the latest information at Missouri's recovery website (https://recovery.mo.gov/) and FEMA's disaster webpage. (http://www.fema.gov/Disaster/4451)