Federal disaster assistance is not just for homeowners. It’s also available to eligible renters, and can cover such expenses as furniture, job-related equipment, vehicle repair, even disaster-caused medical and dental bills.
Renters in all 78 Puerto Rico municipalities who had damage, losses or are unable to live in their homes as a result of Hurricane Fiona may be eligible for help from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
If you have renter’s insurance, first call your insurance provider to file a claim and apply with FEMA, simultaneously. If you are insured, you must provide FEMA with information from your insurance provider, which may include a settlement or denial.
FEMA rental assistance is intended to cover a one-month or two-month period for rent and cost of essential utilities (i.e., gas, electric and water). The time period can be reviewed further if additional assistance is needed. FEMA grants may also be used for security deposits but not for telephone, cable or internet service.
Renters must be able to prove they occupied the disaster-damaged primary residence before receiving FEMA Housing Assistance and some types of FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (i.e., for personal property and for moving and storage expenses). FEMA accepts multiple forms of documentation to prove occupancy. Learn more: Options to Prove Home Occupancy | FEMA.gov.
Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA App or by calling the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Operators are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. local time.
Renters may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans to survivors. SBA loans can help with losses not covered by insurance. Renters can apply for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed household contents including clothing, furniture, appliances and other personal property including vehicles. Those who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred back to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance grant program.
If you are referred to SBA, you should complete and submit the application. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept the loan but failing to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.
Survivors who have questions about the status of their federal disaster assistance applications or how to appeal determination letters can check their status online at disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA App or by calling the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362.
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