Homeowners and renters in Ouachita, Jackson, Lincoln, and Winn parishes may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Laura.
Governor John Bel Edwards' request for another 14 parishes is still pending federal approval. Edwards encourages residents of approved parishes to register for FEMA assistance, even if they think they may not be eligible.
To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27, 2020.
Homowners and renters should file an insurance claim immediately before applying for disaster assistance.
Registration is by phone or online using:
- DisasterAssistance.gov
- The FEMA app
- By Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. Those using 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
FEMA urges homeowners and renters to begin cleanup and repairs immediately, take photos of all damage, and save all receipts.
FEMA’s disaster assistance programs are designed to help with grants for basic repairs to make survivors’ homes safe, sanitary and secure and to provide a temporary place to live while survivors develop their recovery plans.
Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
In addition, Edwards says disaster unemployment assistance applications can be submitted now, but there is a 30-day deadline from the time of each parish’s declaration to apply. Disaster unemployment is $108 per week. Edwards also says now is the time for residents to register for DSNAP, or Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in the event that it becomes available in their area.
The ten parishes added are Acadia, Ouachita, Vermilion, Rapides, Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant, Jackson and Lincoln.