FEMA Storm Relief Is Available In Almost Half Of Texas Counties, But If You Have Insurance, It’s A ‘Last Resort’

Federal officials say you should file insurance claims before seeking FEMA aid: you’ll get more help, and it will arrive quicker.

By Terri LangfordFebruary 26, 2021 1:43 pm, ,

So far, 126 Texas counties have been declared a disaster because of the storm.

The declaration clears the way for those who need help from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, to get it.

But FEMA assistance is sort of disaster aid as a last resort. Those who suffer damage to personal property or to their home as a result of the storms, should first go through their insurance provider, according to Kurt Pickering, a spokesman for FEMA in Denton.

“The first thing to realize, though, is that we aren’t insurance and insurance is first and we can’t duplicate insurance,” Pickering said.

Those who do want FEMA’s assistance, must live in one of the designated counties and register with FEMA. If someone is unsure about whether they qualify, go ahead and register. The questions as part of the application process will help determine if you are eligible.

There’s also a checklist of what you’ll need to know to apply. And if you need assistance with the application, call 800-621-3362.

“The best rule of thumb is, is to register. I would get the insurance piece done first because we’re not going to be able to help you until we know what the insurance payout is, because we can’t duplicate insurance,” Pickering said.

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