Individual and Family Grant Program Checks on the Way 

Release Date: July 12, 2002
Release Number: 1425-11

» More Information on Texas Severe Storms and Flooding

San Antonio, TX -- More than 294 residents throughout the presidentially declared areas are receiving checks totaling $1,079,068 from the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) for emergency relief from the Texas flood of 2002.

The first checks from the Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) will be mailed Friday, July 12, to recipients, state and federal officials announced. The TDHS and the Texas Comptroller's Office are preparing those checks.

"We are working together to get funds into people's hands as soon as we can. We want them to be able to begin replacing their lost property and to pay for their disaster-related expenses," stated Duke Mazurek, State Coordinating Officer, Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety.

The IFG program is administered by the TDHS and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state on a cost share basis. Grants to individuals and families in this program do not have to be repaid.

The grants are made to individuals and families when a disaster causes their needs to exceed the help available through insurance, government and volunteer agency programs. IFG covers only disaster-related serious losses -- such as personal property, housing and transportation -- and medical, dental and funeral expenses.

"It is extremely important that individuals fill out the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application, even if they feel that are unable to re-pay a low interest loan. Applicants must be denied a loan by the SBA before being eligible for additional grant programs," said Scott Wells, Federal Coordinating Officer.

In addition to an initial inspection by federal inspectors, TDHS also will have inspectors in the field assessing flood damage to vehicles.

To be eligible for the grants, potential recipients must register with FEMA by calling the toll-free number: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing- or speech-impaired.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 13-Aug-2003 14:42:56