Residents and businesses along the Gulf Coast have been greatly affected by Hurricane Sally and its destructive aftermath. This includes many people in Alabama, including the City of Atmore.
Trying to help those affected sort through fact and fiction during recovery efforts, the department of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, offered these responses of fact vs. fiction.
Fiction
There is nothing FEMA can do to help if I can get evicted from my apartment.
Fact
Alabama renters who face eviction or have been evicted from their hurricane-damaged apartment complex may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA—even if they were previously determined ineligible for FEMA assistance.
Fiction
Since I have insurance, I can’t get FEMA.
Fact
While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits by law, many homeowners find they were underinsured for their losses and should apply to see if they qualify for assistance after the damage caused by Hurricane Sally.
Fiction
I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs—not renters.
Fact
FEMA may also provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced due to Hurricane Sally.
Fiction
Since other people have more damage from Hurricane Sally and need more help, I don’t want to apply.
Fact
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors who have suffered losses due to Hurricane Sally.
Fiction
I don’t want a loan, so I didn’t apply for help.
Fact
FEMA grants don’t have to be paid back and may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property, and other disaster-related needs.
Fiction
If I get FEMA assistance, it could affect Social Security benefits, food stamps, taxes, or Medicaid.
Fact
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income by the IRS.
Fiction
FEMA is not going to give family members or roommates living with me any help.
Fact
FEMA is committed to giving all Hurricane Sally survivors all the help they deem eligible on a case-by-case basis.
Fiction
I won’t get any assistance since I received a letter from FEMA stating I am not eligible.
Fact
Not necessarily. Receiving such a letter does not always mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster assistance after Hurricane Sally, even when the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete.” Such a letter can simply be an indication that further information is needed, or an insurance claim needs to be settled.
Fiction
If my application is denied, there is nothing I can do about it.
Fact
Wrong. Every applicant in Atmore is entitled to appeal, which must be postmarked within 60 days of the date the FEMA determination letter was received. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for more information.
Learn More
To get the real facts on FEMA assistance for Alabama residents affected by Hurricane Sally or other potential hurricanes, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.