How to apply for FEMA assistance for Hurricane Milton damages
Tree debris near Anthony on Thursday morning. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
If your home has sustained damage from Hurricane Milton, you could be paid a visit from FEMA or other officials as investigators go door-to-door in Florida communities to assist residents in applying for aid.
Marion County is one of 35 counties declared as a disaster zone after Hurricane Milton made landfall on Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm and tore through central Florida, causing impacts through the majority of the state.
“After a flood disaster, expect multiple visitors who will want to help you recover. It’s common for multiple visitors to perform damage assessments on your home. No matter who’s knocking, always ask for identification and the purpose of the visit,” wrote FEMA.
Government officials who may visit include FEMA inspectors, SBA loss verifiers, local building and permitting officials, or local floodplain managers, according to FEMA>
You could also be visited by a flood insurance adjuster, homeowners’ insurance adjuster or auto insurance adjuster.
Marion County residents are eligible to apply for FEMA financial assistance. To date, FEMA has approved the allocation of $11.8 million to help Florida residents recover from Hurricane Milton.
If you are approved for FEMA assistance, you may receive $750-$770 initially for immediate needs. After that award, you may be eligible for more financial assistance for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other disaster-caused expenses,” wrote FEMA.
Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure their application continues through the process for additional assistance.
When applying, make the following information available:
Address with zip code
Condition of damaged home
Insurance information, if available
Social Security number
Phone number where you can be contacted
Address where you can get mail
Email address to receive electronic notifications
Funds can be sent by direct deposit to your bank account, so be prepared to provide your bank account type, account number and routing number.
To apply for FEMA relief:
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app, call (800) 621-3362, call 711 or Video Relay Service.
The deadline to apply for assistance related to Hurricane Milton is Dec. 11.