(Daily360.com) – FEMA has denied assistance to communities harmed by natural disasters after several expensive disasters have occurred around the country. In 2023, the U.S. had a record high 28 natural disasters and the previous record was the 22 disasters that occurred in 2020. The disasters cost a total of $92.9 billion, which included flooding, tornadoes, cyclones, and one drought/extreme heat event.
The bulk of the natural disasters from 2023 were severe weather events that included hail and other damaging weather patterns. A Massachusetts flash flood event was originally denied FEMA assistance in September 2023. In May, President Biden reversed that decision for the severe flooding that caused $36 million in damage.
The FEMA denial that happened over the winter stated that the damage was not severe to the extent that the state could not handle repairing the damage with its own internal resources. The relief that can be provided by FEMA includes temporary shelter, house repairs, and low cost loans.
Now Houston residents are receiving rejection letters from FEMA following extensive damage from Hurricane Beryl. One report provides suggestions to individuals who have been denied assistance and provides the context for denials that are issued by FEMA. Homeowners are expected to file with their insurance companies first before asking for aid from FEMA.
FEMA will not provide funds for repairs that are covered under a homeowners insurance policy. FEMA will only provide assistance that will bring a home back to inhabitable status, which does not include landscaping or unnecessary rooms in the house. FEMA will not help with housing damage unless it is the homeowner’s primary residence.
If a denial has been issued, it does not mean that a homeowner or town resident cannot still obtain assistance from the agency. It does mean that more context or information needs to be provided in order for an approval to be granted. If more damage is noticed after the initial denial, an update to a homeowner’s application can be submitted.
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