Tennessee Storm Survivors still Eligible For Continued FEMA Rental Aid
Tipton County, Tennessee – In the wake of the severe storms and tornadoes that struck Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton, and Wayne counties between March 31 and April 1, 2023, survivors who received initial rental assistance from FEMA may now qualify for extended support.
If you were affected by the destructive storms during this period, you could be eligible for continued rental assistance under the following circumstances:
- You previously received initial rental assistance and utilized it for its intended purpose, which typically covered two months.
- You are currently unable to return to your pre-disaster residence due to its inhabitable condition, inaccessibility, or unavailability caused by storm damage.
- Your financial situation makes it impossible for you to afford housing without additional assistance.
- You are not receiving temporary housing aid from any other sources.
- You are actively working on developing a long-term or permanent housing plan, or you can demonstrate progress towards such a plan.
To apply for continued temporary housing assistance, survivors must complete an “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.” To obtain this form, please contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is operational from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time every day, with support available in multiple languages. Press 2 for assistance in Spanish or press 3 to speak with an interpreter who can communicate in your preferred language.
When submitting your application, make sure to include the following supporting documents:
- Pre- and post-disaster income information for all household members aged 18 and older.
- Proof of pre-disaster housing costs, such as copies of lease agreements, utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.
- Proof of post-disaster housing costs, including a copy of the current lease or rental agreement signed by both the applicant and the landlord, rent receipts, post-disaster utility bills, and renters’ insurance.
To send your completed application and supporting documents to FEMA, you have the following options:
- Upload them to your disaster account on DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Mail them to FEMA at P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
- Fax them to 800-827-8112.
FEMA will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility for continued rental assistance. It is crucial to keep FEMA informed of any changes in your contact information and housing status.
For the most up-to-date information regarding Tennessee’s ongoing recovery efforts from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, please visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. Additionally, you can stay informed by following TN.gov/TEMA, Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, and Facebook.com/FEMA.
