ORLANDO, Fla. – Have you been left with property loss or damage after Hurricane Milton? Do you have questions about repairs or the cost for recovery?
News 6 wants to help you find clarity after the storm -- specifically if you have applied for FEMA Individual Assistance.
We presented questions to Willie Nunn, a senior FEMA official.
Here is a summary of what we found out:
Q: Does FEMA help with the cost of food loss? A viewer told News 6 they lost everything in their refrigerator and freezer due to a four-day power outage.
A: Right after a disaster is declared, people can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. During that time, for immediate needs, like if people lost food or need baby formula or diapers, there is a one-time ‘Serious Needs Assistance’ where people can be eligible for $750.
“But as times change, you evacuate from your home or you have a loss of power, you know, you continue to apply, talk about your situation to us, let us know where you are in this road back to recovery, and then you may qualify—the survivor may qualify—for additional assistance,” Willie Nunn told News 6.
Q: There is confusion about the $750 immediate assistance. FEMA provides several different levels of assistance. Clarify for us, just in case there’s any confusion, that $750 is the initial assistance that some people can receive.
A: If someone qualifies for that, it’s a one-time initial payment. Through the process, you may qualify for additional assistance as it continues. This can include rental assistance, home inspections sponsored by FEMA to look for damage, etc. Keep in mind though, FEMA does not duplicate benefits from insurance.
According to FEMA.gov: FEMA adjusts the maximum amount of financial assistance available to disaster survivors each fiscal year, which began on October 1. The new maximum for initial Serious Needs Assistance is now $770. These maximums apply to any disasters declared on or after Oct. 1, 2024.
Q: If you experienced flooding, or perhaps your roof was damaged, who do you contact first—your insurance company or FEMA?
A: Nunn said for a longer-term fix, it’s your insurance company. However, Nunn stressed that if a storm survivor was impacted by the hurricane, tornadoes from Hurricane Milton, or rising river levels, they should contact FEMA to determine if they are eligible for assistance.
Q: If you do not have flood insurance and your home floods, can FEMA assist you?
A: According to Nunn, flood victims can receive up to $42,500 in assistance. If someone needs help beyond that with rental assistance or temporary housing, they can apply and may qualify for additional help.
Q: If a homeowner has fence damage from Hurricane Milton, do FEMA grants apply to getting a fence repaired?
A: A FEMA official told News 6 that every case is different and people are impacted in various ways. FEMA encourages people to reach out to them so they can speak directly to their specific situation.
Q: If someone has applied for FEMA assistance and received a denial letter, what should they do?
A: Nunn advised anyone who received correspondence from FEMA to read the entire message. The letter may be asking for additional information or documentation that could help move the approval and eligibility process forward.
Q: There’s misinformation on the internet and social media about FEMA. Some rumors claim that FEMA is out of money and cannot provide assistance. Another rumor is that there could be repercussions for turning over personal information.
A: “Well, the first one is absolutely not true,” Nunn said.
Nunn reassured that FEMA has the resources and funding to help people on the road to recovery. He also emphasized that FEMA does not release private or personal information about applicants.
Q: FEMA has just opened some relief sites in Central Florida. Are there plans to open more, and how long will they stay open?
A: FEMA is coordinating with the state and counties to determine the best locations for disaster recovery centers, Nunn told News 6.
Nunn mentioned that before Hurricane Milton, there were ten open centers, and now there are 16.
Q: Any additional comments?
A. Nunn emphasized that FEMA comes at the invitation of the state when the Governor requests a major disaster declaration.
“And we work with the state, we work with the county, we work with the locals. It’s important that we work with them because those locals, the counties, they already have the trust,” Nunn said. “We have to gain that trust as we come in.”
With floodwaters still present, Nunn stressed that it’s not over yet.
“Continue to contact your local officials as needed because we’re working with them. As you reach out, we’re making sure we provide the assistance FEMA can offer while helping the locals get back to where they need to be.”
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You can also watch the full Q&A interview by clicking in the media player below.