FRANKFORT, Ky. — With the deadline to apply for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) fast approaching, Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday shared good news for those seeking aid.
What You Need To Know
- Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on tornado relief in Kentucky on Thursday
- Around 1,400 Kentuckians will be eligible for an additional 20% in relief on top of FEMA awards
- That funding comes from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
- The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is Feb. 11
The state will add 20% on top of all FEMA individual assistance awards for uninsured homeowners and renters impacted by devastating tornadoes in December 2021, Beshear said during Thursday's Team Kentucky update. The 20% bonus will impact around 1,400 Kentuckians thanks to $1.4 million from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.
"This is a way we can quickly and clearly identify individuals who qualify for assistance and get the money out the door,” Beshear said.
That official fund raised nearly $30 million as of late December, according to Beshear.
Checks are expected to roll out within the next two weeks. The number of Kentuckians eligible to receive FEMA benefits and the extra 20% includes at least 475 uninsured homeowners and 987 uninsured renters, Beshear said.
Homeowners and renters who saw damage during the tornado outbreak have about three weeks to apply for FEMA aid. The final deadline to apply is Feb. 11.
To apply for help, Kentuckians can visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call (800) 621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app.
Beshear also said Thursday that the Team Western Kentucky fund has paid every family that lost a loved one to the tornadoes – 77 Kentuckians – to help cover funeral expenses.