More than $16 million in FEMA funds paid to flood victims in Kentucky

WASHINGTON — Kentucky homeowners and renters who sustained losses from the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 27 through March 14 in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Marin and Powell counties may be eligible for  assistance from FEMA.

• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $14.8 million in flood insurance claims in Kentucky. About 600 claims have been submitted. A major disaster declaration is not required for flood insurance to pay.
• For losses not covered by insurance, FEMA has approved more than $1.7 million in individual assistance disaster grants for Kentucky homeowners and renters. Grants may help survivors with rent, home repairs, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses. About 320 households have been approved.

How to get help from FEMA

If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are also available during these hours.

SBA low-interest disaster loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Interest rates for homeowners and renters are as low as 1.25%, with terms up to 30 years. It is free to apply for a disaster loan, and you are under no obligation to accept a loan if approved. Visit the SBA website, sba.gov/disaster, for more information. The deadline to apply is June 22, 2021.

Recovery officials encourage Kentucky residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors.

• FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.
• FEMA does not charge for its services.
• If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement.
• All federal employees have an official badge/ID. Ask to see it.