After a natural disaster, a variety of resources become available through emergency declarations to aid in the cleanup process. FEMA financial assistance is just one of many ways to receive help after a weather event.

Filing for assistance can be a complicated process, even for seasoned residents who have weathered a natural disaster before. If not filed correctly, one can receive a determination letter, denying support.

Disaster Coordinator Attorney Kathy Grunewald of Legal Services of North Florida explains that receiving a denial letter from FEMA, however, is not the end to getting funds for repairs and help after Idalia.

Legal Services of North Florida participates in the Disaster Legal Services program, a FEMA initiative to help survivors navigate the legal aftermath of disasters. They can provide help with insurance claims, FEMA appeals, misplaced legal documents and contractor fraud. Applicants must qualify as low-income families.

This service is one of many programs available in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. To receive more information on FEMA assistance or to apply for aid, visit a center near you. You can ask questions and get status updates on your case.

“A lot of applications for FEMA aid have already been filled out,” Grunewald said. “People have felt like their property has been damaged and they've been affected by that. There's definitely a need out there.”

If denied, FEMA often needs more documentation on the primary residence. Applicants should read the determination letter carefully for next steps. Make sure to provide updated contact information to hear back from FEMA quickly.

To appeal, submit the letter explaining why you disagree with the decision and include the following information:

• Applicant’s full name, pre-disaster primary address, current address and phone number
• Applicant’s 9-digit FEMA application number found at the top of the determination letter
• FEMA disaster declaration number (For Idalia, DR 4734)
• Applicants signature and the date
• Additional documentation to support the appeal requested in the determination letter

You must appeal within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. You can upload documents at www.diasterassistance.gov or visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person. The FEMA app and the hotline are also in use.

Public and Individual Assistance

Public Assistance is available to state and local governments as well as some private nonprofit organizations. It can cover the cost of debris removal, life-saving emergency measures and restoration of public infrastructure.

Individual Assistance can fund uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. This may cover transportation costs to return home safely or lodging expenses. Programs within this category include crisis counseling, disaster unemployment benefits and legal services.

Residents in designated areas (Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Jefferson counties) are eligible for Individual Assistance.

Housing and Other Needs Assistance may provide financial or direct assistance and help in areas of home repair, personal property replacement, funeral costs, child care and more. These needs must be not covered by insurance.

FEMA also works with the U.S. Small Business Administration to offer low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in declared disaster areas. You do not need to own a business to qualify for a loan.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Oct. 30, 2023.

If in need of assistance, do not wait to file a claim. Those who are interested are encouraged to submit documentation and apply as soon as possible.