Two Weeks Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance after Tropical Storm Arthur

BATON ROUGE, La. - Homeowners, renters and students have until Thursday, Oct.1, to apply for federal disaster assistance if you had damage or losses from Tropical Storm Arthur that occurred June 17-24.

Six parishes are eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance: Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne.

FEMA funds may be used to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster. They can be used to make accessibility repairs and upgrades. FEMA assistance may also repair or replace items needed for work or school.

How to Apply

The fastest way to apply to FEMA is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. for assistance in multiple languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

What to Expect After Applying

Within 10 days after applying, a FEMA inspector may contact you to schedule an appointment. After the inspection, you will receive a letter in the mail or via email explaining your application status and how to respond. The letter will explain whether FEMA has approved you for assistance, how much, and how the assistance must be used.

If your letter says you're not approved, it does not mean you're denied. You may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation. The letter will explain how to appeal the decision if you do not agree with it. For an overview of the appeal process, visit Disagreeing with FEMA's Decision. You have 60 days to appeal.

Small Business Administration Loans Available

Additionally, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to Louisiana residents, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations that are recovering from Tropical Storm Arthur. The loan application deadline for physical property damage is also Oct. 1. Information available at the MySBA Loan Portal https://lending.sba.gov or the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4927. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.