Manatee Residents Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

MANATEE COUNTY – Individuals and families in Manatee County who require financial assistance with damages or certain expenses incurred due to Hurricane Ian can now apply for federal assistance.

Manatee County residents affected by Hurricane Ian can now apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., or by using the FEMA mobile app.

FEMA instructs residents to take photos documenting damages, but to begin cleanup and repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup or repairs to your home or property.

Before applying online, residents should gather the following information:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security number
• A general list of damages and losses
• Banking information (if you choose direct deposit)
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA will not duplicate benefits received from insurance for losses or damages. If your policy does not cover all of your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Once applicants have completed an application, the status of the application can be followed through FEMA’s website. NOTE: it may take up to 48 hours for the status of an application to be available.

To get answers to related recovery questions, residents can also call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 711 or via Video Relay Service (VRS) at 1-800-621-3362. You can also follow FEMA on Facebook and Twitter @fema