West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4273)

Disaster Recovery Center Locator

A Disaster Recovery Center is a readily accessible facility or mobile office in West Virginia where survivors may go for information about our programs or other disaster assistance programs, and to ask questions related to your case. Click HERE to find the DRC closest to you.

Fact Sheets

• West Virginia Fact Sheets
• Individuals and Households Program
• Public Assistance
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• Disaster Survivor Assistance
• Replacing Lost Documents

Rumor Control

RUMOR OF THE WEEK

RUMOR:  The maximum amount Louisiana flood survivors can get from FEMA is $40,000 but we can only get a maximum of $33,000 in West Virginia. Is that true?

FACT: No. The current maximum amount FEMA can give any flood survivor in any state is $33,000. The amount is set by law and changes every year based on the consumer price index.

FEMA Registration

RUMOR:  I heard my income is too high to qualify for help from FEMA.

FACT: Regardless of your income, if you have damage or losses from the June 22-29 severe storms, floods, landslides and mudslides, register with FEMA now. If you are eligible, FEMA may provide assistance for temporary housing, home repair and replacement or for medical, dental, funeral, and child-care expenses without regard to income. However, FEMA cannot duplicate assistance available through insurance or other sources. Register now. The deadline is Sept. 7.

 

RUMOR:  I heard FEMA will advise me to take out a loan and I can’t afford a loan.

FACT:  FEMA does not require you to take out a loan. FEMA does not have authority to require you to borrow money. However, FEMA may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)* to determine your eligibility for a low interest disaster loan. If SBA determines you aren’t eligible, SBA will refer you back to FEMA. This could make you eligible for more FEMA aid. If SBA offers you a loan, you are under no obligation to accept it.

*After a disaster, SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofits.

 

RUMOR:  I heard if you can afford it, you should pay for repairs yourself because that leaves more for people who have a bigger need for help.

FACT:  FEMA has funding to help eligible West Virginia survivors. Don’t cut yourself off from aid you may be eligible to receive. Register with FEMA now. The deadline is Aug. 24.

 

RUMOR:  If there are other family members or roommates living with me, FEMA isn’t going to give them any help.

FACT:  FEMA is committed to giving each individual survivor all the help he or she is eligible for. FEMA evaluates the needs of all eligible survivors on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to tell FEMA about the needs of all members of your household whether they are related to one another or not. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-321-3362 if you need to update your registration or have questions about the needs of any members of your household. 

 

RUMOR: Survivors cannot register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.
FACT: Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid if they have insurance coverage that is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay or replace certain contents.

RUMOR: It is hard to register for FEMA disaster assistance.
FACT: There are three ways to register for disaster assistance. Call 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find a center near you with FEMA’s DRC locator at fema.gov/disaster/4273.

RUMOR: When survivors register, they immediately qualify and receive payments from FEMA.
FACT: After survivors register, their completed applications are reviewed, and an inspector may call to schedule an inspection at their home. Eligible survivors will receive a U.S. Treasury/State check or notification of a direct deposit to their bank accounts. Other types of assistance may be provided later, based on specific eligibility and need.

 

RUMOR: If you register with your county or municipal emergency management office, you are registered with FEMA.
FACT: Registering with your county emergency management agency, the Red Cross, or with any other charitable organization is NOT the same as registering with FEMA. You still need to register with FEMA.

If you had storm-related damage or losses, please register!
You can register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. You can also register online at
DisasterAssistance.gov

 

FEMA Disaster Assistance

RUMOR:  FEMA doesn’t pay survivors enough.

FACT:  FEMA grants help eligible survivors start to get their lives back on track. They help with some basic disaster-related costs. FEMA grants are not the same as insurance. They are usually not enough to get a household back to how it was before the disaster. FEMA looks at each case individually.

RUMOR:  I already cleaned up and repaired the damage to my home. I heard it’s too late to get help from FEMA.

FACT:  You may be eligible for FEMA assistance even if you’ve already repaired the damage. It will help if you have “before” photos and receipts for your repair expenses. Register with FEMA to find out more. You may be eligible for a grant for repair assistance that will help cover your costs. The deadline to register for FEMA registration is Aug. 24.

 

RUMOR: FEMA assistance has to be repaid.
FACT:  FEMA assistance is a grant, not a loan. Grants do not have to be repaid. Some homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations may take out disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans have to be repaid. But FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. In addition, FEMA grants are not taxable and do not affect your eligibility for other federal benefit programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

 

RUMOR:  If there are other family members or roommates living with me, FEMA isn’t going to give them any help.

FACT:  FEMA is committed to giving each individual survivor all the help he or she is eligible for. FEMA evaluates the needs of all eligible survivors on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to tell FEMA about the needs of all members of your household whether they are related to one another or not. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-321-3362 if you need to update your registration or have questions about the needs of any members of your household. 

 

RUMOR: There is no easy way to get true, reliable information about FEMA’s disaster assistance programs.
FACT: Straight answers and plain facts are available from the disaster assistance program experts on FEMA’s Help Line. Call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 to learn about disaster assistance programs. Toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Multilingual operators are available.

RUMOR: If survivors receive FEMA assistance, it could reduce their Social Security benefits.
FACT: Disaster assistance does not count as income. FEMA assistance will not affect Social Security, Medicare or other federal and state benefits.

RUMOR: If you receive money from FEMA you have to pay it back.
FACT: FEMA grants do not have to be repaid.

 

RUMOR: Receiving a letter from FEMA stating the applicant is not eligible means the person will not get any assistance.

FACT:   Receiving such a letter does not necessarily mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster aid, even when the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete.” It can be an indication that further information is needed, or that the applicant’s insurance claim needs to be settled before disaster aid can be granted.

 

RUMOR: If you take FEMA assistance, they take your property.
FACT: FEMA has no authority to take property of any kind from anyone.

Renters

RUMOR: Renters cannot get FEMA aid.
FACT: Renters in designated counties may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants to help pay for rent and other serious disaster-related needs.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

RUMOR: Once FEMA determines that you are not eligible for assistance there is nothing you can do.
FACT: Every homeowner or renter has the right to appeal FEMA’s determination decision. The first step in appealing the decision is reading your determination letter carefully. Sometimes FEMA just needs additional information. There may be issues with your application that can be resolved quickly and easily, enabling you to receive assistance.

 

RUMOR: You cannot get help from FEMA if your determination letter says that you are not eligible because you have insurance.
FACT: If your insurance coverage is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay or replace certain contents, FEMA can reconsider you. But you must provide documents from your insurance company that detail your settlement. Contact your insurance company if you need settlement documents and then provide that information to FEMA.

 

RUMOR: If you inherited your home and have lived there for years, but do not have the deed, you cannot receive assistance.
FACT: There are other documents besides a deed you can submit to prove home ownership, including mortgage, insurance documents or tax receipts. If you do not have a deed handy, speak to your local officials about obtaining a copy.

RUMOR: There is no way to get answers to questions about determination letters.
FACT: If you have any questions about your determination letter, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and speak with a disaster assistance representative. Locate your closest center by visiting fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA helpline.

 

How to file an appeal

If you decide to appeal FEMA’s decision, your appeal must be in writing and must be received within 60 days of the date on your FEMA determination letter. You may file your appeal documents at a DRC, by fax at 800-827-8112, or by mail to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.

 

FEMA-Contracted Inspectors & Condemnations

RUMOR: It takes weeks before a FEMA housing inspector visits.
FACT: On this recovery operation, it is taking just a few days for an inspector to call and schedule a property inspection.

RUMOR: Wait until the FEMA inspectors come and condemn your home, then you can register and get the full amount.
FACT: FEMA inspectors only record damage. Register now if you need assistance. Do not wait for something that will never happen.

RUMOR:  FEMA personnel are condemning homes and properties in many storm-impacted neighborhoods.
FACT: This is not true. FEMA does not – and has no authority to – condemn homes or properties.

 

FEMA “Buyouts”

 

Rumor: I heard FEMA is sending out letters concerning buyouts.

Facts:  FEMA is not sending out letters about “buyouts”. FEMA does not purchase flood prone properties. FEMA gives mitigation grants to the state. It’s up to local and state officials to decide whether they will use the grant to fund a property acquisition/demolition program. If there is a program, participation is completely voluntary; no one is ever required to accept a buyout. Anyone interested in a buyout should talk with their mayor, county commissioner or floodplain manager.

 

Temporary Housing

RUMOR: If you get a temporary housing unit (THU), FEMA will not let you keep your pets.
FACT: FEMA does not bar pets from THUs.

 

RUMOR: FEMA will not give you a THU unless you have a clear title on your home.
FACT: You do not have to own a home to be eligible for a THU. Even renters may be eligible. However, at this time, you must live in Greenbrier or Kanawha County and meet other criteria.

RUMOR:  Survivors are not allowed to stay sheltered in a school or FEMA will fine the school.
FACT: FEMA has no control over where shelters are located

 

Debris Removal

RUMOR: The county will charge individuals if they do not have debris removed in a week.
FACT: Debris removal guidelines vary by location. For accurate information about what is happening in your area, contact your local officials.

RUMOR: FEMA is paying $10 or $15 per hour to clean up debris.
FACT: FEMA does not hire workers to clean up debris. Government agencies may hire workers
to clean up debris. Clean up contractors may also hire workers. These are independent employers and they set their own wage rates.

 

Donations

RUMOR:  People can donate money or items to FEMA to help flood victims.
FACT: Not true. FEMA does not accept donations of any kind. However, many legitimate organizations need donations. To find out more about donating to help flood survivors click How Can I Help.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

RUMOR: Only businesses can get low-interest disaster loans from SBA.
FACT: SBA low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners and renters, as well as businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations, for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

RUMOR: If you complete an SBA loan application, you have to take out a loan.
FACT: You are not obligated to accept a loan if you do not want one. However, if you are referred to SBA for a disaster loan application you should complete and return it. If the SBA is unable to approve a home loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for other needs assistance. You may be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. SBA low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners and renters, as well as businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations, for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

West Virginians should visit fema.gov/disaster/4273 to find out about FEMA assistance and other useful recovery information. There is a “Rumor Control Page” on the website that publishes what is true direct from FEMA. You may get information about FEMA from friends, neighbors, family members, or others that is wrong. Help yourself and others by checking it out on the website.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/femaregion3, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog and the flood information pages at //wvflood.com/Pages/default.aspx

FEMA Housing Portal

The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families, who have been displaced by a disaster, find a place to live. Enter an address in the Location box HERE

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works closely with local, state and federal partners to find temporary housing options for people displaced by the severe storms and flooding that occurred June 22-29. Resources include Rental Assistance, Home Repair Grants, FEMA Housing Portal, Low-interest Disaster Loans and Temporary Housing Units.

 

 

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Grants from FEMA pay for short-term rentals for eligible homeowners and renters whose homes are uninhabitable or inaccessible due to the disaster. The grants give these survivors time to plan for and prepare to return to their repaired homes or move into longer-term or permanent housing.

HOME REPAIR GRANTS

FEMA offers grants to eligible homeowners to help pay for repairs of their disaster-damaged homes. Money to repair homes is limited to making the home safe, sanitary and habitable. Grants may cover repairs to:

• Walls, roofs and foundations
• Wells, septic and sewage systems
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Privately owned access roads and bridges

FEMA HOUSING PORTAL

Displaced survivors can visit the FEMA Housing Portal (//asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm) to search for nearby rental units—whether apartments or single-family homes.

• Properties include those made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Landlords with vacancies can email their name, contact number and property location to FEMA-Housing@fema.dhs.gov.

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) LOW-INTEREST DISASTER LOANS

Low-interest disaster loans from SBA serve as the primary source of recovery funds for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), homeowners and renters. Additional information on the disaster loan program may be obtained by calling SBA at 800-659-2955 or 800-877-8339 (TTY) email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit sba.gov/disaster. 

TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS (THUs)

FEMA uses THUs after a disaster only when displaced survivors cannot find apartments to rent while repairs are made to their flood-damaged homes. This is the option of last resort. An existing stock of rental units—largely apartments and single-family homes—usually meets the needs of displaced survivors.

At the state’s request, FEMA approved a direct housing mission on July 5, 2016, that uses THUs for displaced survivors in two West Virginia counties: Greenbrier and Kanawha. THUs are part of a comprehensive temporary housing plan.

Households placed in THUs receive regular visits from FEMA to check on their continued eligibility and to assist them in progressing toward their permanent housing goals.

  

Download the FEMA App

Download HERE

News

Geographic Information

• Google Earth
• PDF of Map
• FEMA Data Feeds

Financial Assistance

Individual Assistance - Dollars Approved

Individual Assistance Definitions

	Total Individual Assistance (IA) - Applications Approved:	Total Individual & Households Program - Dollars Approved*	Total Housing Assistance - Dollars Approved*	Total Other Needs Assistance - Dollars Approved*
Total Amount	4,925	$41,660,290.36	$35,091,217.76	$6,569,072.60

Public Assistance - Dollars Approved

Public Assistance Definitions

	Total Public Assistance Grants - Dollars Obligated*	Emergency Work (Categories A-B) - Dollars Obligated*	Permanent Work (Categories C-G) - Dollars Obligated*
Total Amount	$39,875,195.91	$22,801,784.42	$16,646,306.49

Related Links

• West Virgina Office of the Governor
• West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management