KENTUCKY — The deadline to apply for individual housing assistance through FEMA is quickly approaching. Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on Feb. 11.
What You Need To Know
- The deadline to apply for individual assistance is Feb. 11
- People can apply at disasterassistance.gov
- Residents in 16 Kentucky counties are eligible to apply
People who live in any of the 16 counties most impacted by the storms are eligible to apply for assistance. That includes Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties.
Survivors who live those counties may be able to get help paying for disaster-related damage, rental assistance, lodging expenses or medical expenses caused by the storms.
“Any kind of assistance that they believe that they need they should register,” said FEMA branch director Keith Denning. “We will find a way to say yes if it applies under our program."
Denning has been working on the ground in Kentucky since the day after the deadly tornadoes swept through the state. He said his team of 13 arrived in Frankfort less than 24 hours after the tornadoes hit and have been working in the state ever since.
One of the most common questions Denning has received from Kentuckians is about what people should do if they receive a letter that says they’ve been denied assistance.
“What that usually means is that we just need a little more documentation,” Denning said. “Quite often people are discouraged when they get that letter because it starts with you’ve been denied, but before throwing it out they need to read it and get in touch with us.”
Speaking with @fema branch director Keith Denning about KY tornado recovery efforts and the upcoming deadlines to apply for federal assistance. He's addressing what you should do if your application is denied - he says in many cases they need MORE information. @SpectrumNews1KY pic.twitter.com/cNCuiHA5Dg
— Julia Benbrook (@JuliaBenbrook) February 4, 2022
Denning said people often just need to provide more information. FEMA lists the following as some of the common reasons for denial of eligibility.
- You have not submitted required documents or information.
- FEMA assistance would duplicate benefits from other sources.
- There is more than one application filed for your household.
- FEMA was unable to verify that you are a homeowner.
- FEMA was unable to verify your occupancy.
- FEMA could not verify your identity.
If you disagree with a FEMA decision, you have a right to appeal and can find more information here.