Michiganders recovering from severe storms and tornadoes that tore through the region last summer can still apply for federal home repair grants and rent aid.
August storms knocked out power for tens of thousands of people, delayed dozens of flights, flooded freeways, damaged cars and structures, and led to injuries and deaths.
In early February, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for nine counties in Michigan, which unlocks aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for losses not covered by insurance. As of Tuesday, FEMA has approved about $9 million for 3,684 households. The agency is operating recovery centers where people can go to help in applying for relief and get updates on their applications.
In the last decade, the federal government has granted disaster recovery assistance to Michigan seven times. Aside from the current aid — which is available until April 8 — the last time Michiganders were able to tap federal assistance was for the 2021 summer storms and flooding.
Here is a rundown of what to know:
Which counties are included in the disaster declaration?
The disaster declaration, announced on Feb. 8, makes federal aid available for people in Eaton, Ingham, Iona, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties who were affected by severe weather from Aug. 24-26 of last year.
For the latest information, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
What kind of aid is available?
The assistance may include temporary housing and home repair grants and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), according to FEMA.
Renters dealing with uninsured or under-insured losses from the storms can also apply for relief to help replace furniture and primary vehicles. The assistance may also help cover out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses, child care, or moving and storage costs.
As of Tuesday, FEMA has received 13,047 applications and 3,684 households have been approved so far, according to the agency. Of the total applications, 987 were denied and the main reason was because the applicant did not have eligible disaster-related damages or their application was incomplete. They have 60 days to appeal the decision.
The average grant amount for repairs and replacements is $3,391 and $2,714 for two months of rent aid.
FEMA has conducted 5,887 home inspections — a part of the application and approval process. The agency cautions that people should be aware of scams. Inspectors will carry official photo ID and won’t ask for money.
FEMA notes that it cannot cover losses already covered by insurance.
How can I apply for assistance?
Residents in the FEMA-designated counties with damages from the August storms can apply for aid by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov online, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those who use a video relay service or captioned telephone service can give FEMA their phone number for that service.
Those who have already made repairs or started their recovery should still apply since inspectors are trained to recognize damages, according to FEMA. Applicants should be ready to show photos, receipts, and other documentation.
For more information about what happens after applying for FEMA aid, go to bit.ly/FEMAapplicationprocess.
Where can I go for in-person help?
Residents who need additional help can visit FEMA disaster recovery centers. Additional locations are slated to open. Find a map at FEMA.gov/DRC.
- Wayne County Community College: 21000 Northline in Taylor; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
- Canton Human Services Center: 50430 School House Rd. in Canton; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
- Gibraltar City Hall: 29450 Munro St. in Gibraltar; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
- Lansing Community College West Campus: 5708 Cornerstone Dr. in Lansing; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
- Chesterfield Township Fire Station: 33991 23 Mile Rd. in Chesterfield; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
- Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority: 1296 West Grand River Ave. in Williamston; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
Contact Nushrat Rahman: [email protected]; 313-348-7558. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @NushratR.
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