FEMA assistance application deadline approaches

Cook County residents impacted by this summer’s storms and flooding events still have time to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Public Affairs Specialist Kim Keblish told WTIP that since the application opened at the beginning of August, over 1,800 Minnesotans in the 19 eligible counties have been awarded about $8.8 million. There is still time to apply for residents of the eligible counties, including Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties. Applications will be accepted by FEMA through Sep. 27.

Keblish said that a barrier for applying for some Minnesotans may be that they simply don’t know the extent of what the assistance can help cover. She reminded listeners that the funds are for damage to primary residences, but that they can also be applied to things like costs associated with displacement from a home, storage costs, or replacing appliances.

For residents looking for more information or to apply, there are several routes they can take. The application can be completed online, through the FEMA app, or in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. The center offers in-person assistance with the application, as well as access to resources offered by the state of Minnesota, and the Small Business Association. The SBA is offering loan assistance for both businesses and individuals, and may help cover damage that the FEMA assistance does not.

If a resident has already applied, and was denied assistance, Keblish said that they can appeal the decision. She said that some denials are the result of missing paperwork, and that applicants can contact FEMA to appeal the denial and submit any missing documents. Similarly, if a denial was the result of a missing home inspection, applicants can contact the FEMA helpline to reschedule an inspection. The helpline number is 800-621-3362. Residents have 60 days to appeal a denial.

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with FEMA Public Affairs Specialist Kim Keblish about the assistance still available to Arrowhead residents, as well as what they should do if their application is denied. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski September 9, 2024