Funding Flood Damage Restoration

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Nassau Bay, TX

Flooding of your Nassau Bay,TX, home can be a frightening prospect. Fortunately, many people living in a flood plain already have flood insurance. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) may be able to help those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Who Can Apply for Disaster Aid

Anyone living in a federally-declared disaster area can apply for assistance, regardless of insurance coverage or personal income. Even if you have already begun repairing your property, you can still apply for reimbursement funds. However, the funds must be used for one or more of the following purposes:

• Property restoration
• Disaster-related medical and funeral expenses
• Temporary housing
• Other disaster-related expenses
  

How To Apply for Disaster Aid

You can apply for federal disaster assistance either online or by phone. If you have flood insurance, make sure to call your agent first. After your application has been processed, a FEMA inspector will come out to your property. The inspectors will not be able to tell you if you qualify or not. You will receive a letter stating whether or not you were approved. If you are approved, the letter will detail the ways in which you can use the money.
In many cases, it may not be feasible to wait on the inspector to arrive before you begin making repairs. Always make sure to take photo or video evidence of the damage before you clean or repair anything. This visual evidence will help both FEMA and your insurance company determine how much money you qualify for.

Options for Those Denied Federal Grants

If you do not qualify for a federal grant, or if you need more assistance, you can apply for a low-interest loan with the Small Business Administration. Additionally, you may reach out to the American Red Cross for help.
Flood damage is a hassle; luckily, there are many ways to fund necessary repairs. Whether you are using funds from a grant, loan, flood insurance or personal savings, a professional restoration team can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.