Have you seen social media posts about the Federal Emergency Management Agency not having enough money to support Hurricane Milton victims? Did someone tell you FEMA funding is going to undocumented immigrants? Did former President Donald Trump’s claims about FEMA make you panic?
In light of rumors and misinformation plaguing social media feeds and infiltrating communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, FEMA is trying to set the record straight as Hurricane Milton heads to Florida.
FEMA launched a webpage in response, to address some of the claims related to its ongoing response and recovery efforts. Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell said her agency has all the resources it needs to respond to Helene, which ravaged parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and other states, while appearing on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday.
“This kind of rhetoric is not helpful to people,” Criswell said. “It’s really a shame that we’re putting politics ahead of helping people.”
Here’s what is and isn’t true about seeking disaster assistance through FEMA.
FEMA has a webpage dedicated rumors in the wake of natural disasters, as false or misleading claims can confuse survivors and prevent them from seeking critical help.
Here’s FEMA’s response to each rumor going around:
Rumor: Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to support international efforts or border-related issues
“Money is not being diverted from disaster response needs.
The Disaster Relief Fund is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Funding for communities to support migrants has nothing to do with this fund and its resources have not been diverted to other non-disaster related efforts.”
Rumor: FEMA is blockading people in Florida and preventing evacuations
“FEMA is not blockading people in Florida and preventing evacuations. FEMA does not control traffic flow or conduct traffic stops, which are handled by local authorities. This is a harmful rumor that can put lives in danger.”
“If you live in the west coast of Florida and the Florida peninsula, take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. Follow the guidance of your local authorities. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying your evacuation can put your life and the lives of others at risk.”
“Local officials are the best source of information about evacuation and resources to help.”
Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene
“FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.”
Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations and turning away volunteers
“FEMA does not ask for or generally accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response. We do encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed.”
“If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees will never solicit money.”
Rumor: FEMA is no longer accepting applications for housing assistance
FEMA is still accepting assistance applications throughout areas affected by Helene. For current application timelines, visit disasterassistance.gov. You can also see if applications are being accepted on FEMA’s state specific Helene disaster webpages; Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Rumor: FEMA is in the process of confiscating Helene survivor property. If I apply for disaster assistance and my land is deemed unlivable, my property will be seized.
“FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. When you apply for disaster assistance a FEMA inspector may be sent to verify the damage on your home. This is one of many factors reviewed to determine what kind of disaster assistance you may be eligible for. If the results of the inspection deem your home uninhabitable, that information is only used to determine the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home safe, sanitary and functional.”
Rumor: FEMA will ONLY provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery
“This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies.”
“There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs.”
“If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.”
What can I spend FEMA money on?
“Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call,” FEMA says.
According to FEMA’s disaster assistance step-by-step guide, these funds can be used for the following:
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“These funds may be used for rental assistance if your home or apartment is uninhabitable because of the disaster.”
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“You may use FEMA housing repair funds for essential repairs to make your residence safe, sanitary, and functional. These funds are for repairs necessary to make primary rooms habitable.”
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“You may use personal property funds for essential repairs to or to replace appliances and furniture.”
What are the different types of FEMA disaster assistance?
Here are the categories of assistance FEMA provides, according to its step-by-step guide:
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Housing Assistance: “Money for individuals to rent a different place to live (or a temporary housing unit when rental properties are not available).”
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Repair: “Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.”
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Replacement: “Limited funds may be available under rare conditions to replace a disaster-destroyed home.”
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Other Needs Assistance: “Money for necessary and serious needs caused by the disaster, not covered by insurance or other aid. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, and other expenses that FEMA approves. You may need to apply for an SBA low-interest loan before receiving certain assistance.”
What kind of disasters does FEMA cover? How to get disaster assistance after Hurricane Milton
How much can you get from an SBA disaster loan?
Here’s what to know about FEMA’s SBA loans and how much you might be eligible for:
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“The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan packet after you apply for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov. It is very important to complete the forms in this packet and return them to the SBA as soon as you can.“
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“If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, you may not be eligible for other types of assistance.”
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“You can receive face-to-face help in filling out the SBA loan packet at any Disaster Recovery Center. For the nearest location, call the toll-free SBA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-359-2227.”
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“SBA low-interest loans are available to renters, homeowners, business owners, and non-profit organizations that suffered losses due to this disaster.”
SBA loan limits:
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“Homeowners may be eligible to borrow up to $200,000 for real estate repairs.”
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“Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 for replacement of disaster damaged personal property.”
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“Businesses may apply for up to $1.5 million for losses not fully covered by insurance.”
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“SBA loans are made for the repair or replacement of real estate or personal property. You may also increase your loan up to 20 percent to spend on protective improvements that may help prevent damage from happening again.”
How do I request $700 from FEMA assistance?
If you need immediate funds to pay for necessities, you may be eligible for a one-time immediate payment of $700 for Critical Needs Assistance.
“Critical Needs Assistance is typically approved quickly because it is meant to help with immediate needs like water, food, and fuel,” FEMA’s website says.
“Examples of other types of assistance include help with a temporary place to stay, funding home repairs, and emergency needs that insurance and other financial assistance sources may not cover.”
Here’s what you’ll need when applying for any kind of assistance through FEMA’s programs:
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A current phone number where you can be contacted.
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Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
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Your Social Security number.
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A general list of damage and losses.
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Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
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If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Contributing: Katie Nixon, USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FEMA disaster response. Here’s each claim
