The Federal Emergency Management Agency has named residents in a number of Central Florida counties eligible for individualized assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian — and that includes Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
Late last week, FEMA declared that residents and homeowners in affected Florida counties may apply for funds through the Individuals and Households Program to cover home repairs, temporary housing or other basic and emergency needs. The fund offers up to $37,900 for home repairs and/or $37,900 for other lost property not covered by insurance.
The full list of Florida counties included in this declaration are Charlotte. Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.
There are several ways to apply for this assistance:
1. By telephone — 800-621-3362.
2. Through the FEMA mobile app.
3. Through the Disasterassistance.gov website.
To be eligible you must live in one of the above counties; one resident of your household must be a United States Citizen, a non-citizen national or a qualified immigrant; and you must be able to demonstrate serious need beyond what your insurance has given.