CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — Kentucky residents whose homes and property were damaged during the severe storms and flooding in February now have until May 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance, FEMA announced in a recent press release. The original deadline was April 25.

Assistance is available to both homeowners and renters who experienced uninsured or underinsured losses as a result of the storms, straight-line winds and flooding that swept through eastern Kentucky. FEMA grants can help cover temporary housing, rent, home repairs, losses of personal property, and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Affected residents can also apply for FEMA’s home buyout program.

Officials emphasize that suvivors do not have to repay FEMA. It is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

FEMA urges survivors seeking assistance to first file claims through their insurance providers. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits or aid received from other sources.

To apply, residents can:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA App available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY users and those using relay services such as Video Relay Service should provide their specific contact numbers).
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

In Martin County, the DRC is at 180 E. Main Street in the old library building in Inez. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Each DRC is fully accessible and equipped with resources and assistive technology to support applicants with disabilities or other access and functional needs.

Applicants should prepare to provide:

• A current phone number.
• The address where they lived during the disaster and where they are staying now.
• Their Social Security number.
• A general description of damage and losses.
• Insurance policy information, if applicable.
• Bank account details for direct deposit.