All Previous Alerts

Apply Now for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) for Imelda Recovery
Image did not load.

October 7, 2019

Apply Now for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) for Imelda Recovery


The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be offering assistance to residents affected by Tropical Storm Imelda. FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance (IA) comes in a variety of forms for home owners, certain types of renters, and businesses in Harris County. The application to apply for assistance is open October 4, 2019 through December 3, 2019.


What kind of help can I get from FEMA?
  • Home/Primary Residence:
    • FEMA provides assistance to individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster.
    • If you are a renter or homeowner you may qualify for assistance.
    • FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.
    • FEMA does not offer assistance for secondary homes.
  • Business:
  • Other Needs Assistance:
    • We offer disaster assistance for some of your other disaster-caused expenses including, medical and dental, child care, funeral and burial, essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle, and some clean-up items.

How do I apply?

After you complete your application
  • Home Inspection
    • If your reported damages require an on-site FEMA inspection, you will be contacted by FEMA within 10 days of submitting your application to schedule an appointment for a home inspector to visit you.
    • In the event of a catastrophic disaster an inspector may take longer to visit you.
    • If your damages are insured, you need to submit your insurance settlement or denial before a FEMA home inspection can be scheduled.
  • After the Inspection
    • If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you:
    • A check by mail, or a direct deposit into your checking or savings account, and
    • A letter describing how you are to use the money.

If you are denied
  • If you do not qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you:
  • A letter explaining why you did not qualify, and
  • An opportunity to appeal the decision.

  • If you receive a letter saying that you are ineligible or that your application is incomplete, this does not necessarily mean you will not receive help – you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving mailed notification from us.
  • An appeal is a written request to review your file again with additional information you provide that may affect the decision. You may appeal any decision provided by FEMA regarding your Individual Assistance.
  • Visit https://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance and click on the “How Do I Appeal the Final Decision?” tab for information on how to submit an appeal.

Many Harris County residents may not be eligible for FEMA assistance. For a list of non-FEMA recovery resources, visit www.ReadyHarris.org.


MESSAGE_ID# 392804823998452

Follow ReadyHarris on Twitter, FacebookInstagram and YouTube | Download the ReadyHarris App