More than $15 million in federal assistance has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help West Virginians recover from the devastating severe storms, floods, landslides and mudslides that struck the state starting June 22. While assistance is tax-free and grants don’t have to be repaid, FEMA urges you to use the funds quickly, wisely and only for disaster-related expenses.
When a grant is awarded, FEMA will send you a letter listing approved uses including:
• home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
• rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily
• repair or replacement of a flooded essential vehicle
• medical care for an injury caused by the disaster
• repair, cleaning or replacement of clothing, specialized tools
• necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, school books, supplies)
• moving and storage
expenses related to the disaster
• other disaster-related expenses
You may spend your FEMA grant in any way that helps you achieve the goal of permanent, safe, sanitary and functional housing.
• Rental assistance grants are provided for temporary housing when a disaster leaves your home uninhabitable or inaccessible.
• You, as a homeowner or renter, can choose to rent an apartment, house, mobile home or some other temporary rental unit.
• If you intend to seek continued rental assistance, you’ll need receipts to show you used the grant for rent.
Disaster grants should not be used for regular living expenses, such as utilities, food, medical or dental bills not related to the disaster, travel, entertainment or any discretionary expense not related to the disaster.
It’s important to remember that federal law prohibits duplicating federal grants from other sources, i.e., “double-dipping.” FEMA also encourages you to keep your receipts for three years to show how the funds were spent. After every major disaster FEMA conducts audits of disaster assistance payments to ensure taxpayer dollars were properly provided by the agency and appropriately used by recipients.
When you get a letter from FEMA, read it carefully. If you have any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362; TTY users can call 800-462-7585. You can visit one of the 11 Disaster Recovery Centers open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday, weather permitting. To locate the closest center, call the Helpline or visit http://go.usa.gov/x3NnJ, or download the FEMA APP to your mobile device.
