What Hoosier flood victims need to know about getting help from FEMA
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Flooding after heavy rain in Noblesville. Photo: Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Experts say residents in need of federal disaster aid now available to storm victims in Marion and 20 other Indiana counties should take a proactive approach to the process.
Why it matters: With statewide damage believed to be in the billions, the road to relief opened by this week's major disaster declaration could be one the hardest-hit Hoosiers travel for years.
What they're saying: "The first thing is to be asking questions to find out what you're eligible for, and not make assumptions," Doug Noonan, a professor of public and environmental affairs at IU Indianapolis, tells Axios.
- "And that can be one of the hardest parts. You've just been hit with a really bad event … and then you go in thinking now you can get some help only to find out you're not eligible, or you're not in the right county. Then it's just a sucker punch."
Driving the news: Gov. Mike Braun's request for an expedited major disaster declaration through FEMA was approved Tuesday, unlocking assistance to individuals and households in the following counties:
- Marion, Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union and Wayne.
- Hamilton, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Porter, Tipton and Wayne counties were also approved for assistance to repair disaster-damaged public facilities.
How it works: Noonan said before applying for assistance, the first step should be contacting your insurance provider and filing a claim as soon as possible.
- Federal support is meant for expenses not covered by an insurance policy, and FEMA is prohibited from duplicating benefits, which could lead to a denial.
- You'll also need to provide information like damage descriptions, annual household income and bank account information to get assistance via direct deposit and if you need accommodation because of a disability.
Between the lines: Money is administered in the form of a grant that does not need to be repaid.
- Aid is also not considered taxable income, so accepting a FEMA grant won't affect Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other federal assistance programs.
Pro tips: Noonan says detailed documentation is key.
- If you suspect damage, inspect your property thoroughly — including places you might not normally look. Water can cause damage that isn't immediately obvious, including problems that can worsen into mold or other long-term issues.
- He also urges Hoosiers to think of the federal declaration as an important milestone, but not the end of the disaster.
- "The recovery process is not measured in days or weeks or months," he said. "It's definitely measured in years."
By the numbers: In his request, Braun said storms killed eight people, injured three others and completely destroyed 44 structures.
- Preliminary estimates put statewide residential property losses between $550 million and more than $5 billion — including an estimated $36 million in Indianapolis.
What's next: Apply for relief at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA app or by calling 800-621-3362.