Federal Disaster Assistance Through FEMA for Tipton County
If you live in Tipton County, FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and/or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance.
Individuals can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. The helpline is available from 6 a.m. to midnight and is accessible in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. FEMA assistance cannot replace all losses, but if your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
When you apply for assistance, please have the following information ready:
- 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 damage and losses
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
For more information on assistance from FEMA — like lodging expense reimbursement, rental assistance for temporary housing, what to do about out-of-pocket expenses, and more — click here.
Renters can also apply for FEMA resources. For more information on assistance for renters, like the replacement of necessary personal property, job-related equipment for the self-employed, help with damaged vehicles and more, click here.
FEMA and the TN Emergency Management Agency published some helpful information on how to avoid scams and con-artists in the event of a disaster — click here to review.
Federal Disaster Assistance Through the Small Business Administration
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available to businesses and residents affected in Tipton County.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. And homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. Please note that loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
A Business Recovery Center (BRC) has opened at Dyersburg State Community College in Covington. SBA Customer Service Representatives at the Center will assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status. The center will be open Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 6pm, Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website, and should apply under SBA declaration #17866. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 6, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 8, 2024.
Disaster Assistance for Houses of Worship & Nonprofit Organizations
Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, that have sustained storm damage in Tipton County may be eligible for grants from FEMA’s Public Assistance program to help pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged facilities. Please note the application deadline for submitting a Request for Public Assistance is Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Eligibility
- Eligible candidates are nonprofit organizations that provide a noncritical, essential social service such as community and senior citizen centers.
- This category of nonprofit must go through the loan application process with the U.S. Small Business Administration before FEMA can determine eligibility for its Public Assistance program.
- SBA’s low-interest disaster loans provide up to $2 million for repair or replacement of disaster-damaged property including furniture, fixtures and other essential contents. Houses of worship are not required to accept a loan, but FEMA will not fund repairs unless an SBA loan application is denied or does not fully cover the permanent work costs.
- Insurance settlements can be a factor. FEMA will need to see any insurance policy covering the facility and documentation on any proceeds received. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits; FEMA will cover only expenses not covered by insurance.
Individuals can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. The helpline is available from 6 a.m. to midnight and is accessible in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
When you submit an application requesting assistance, please be prepared to provide a current ruling letter from the Internal Revenue Service granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c) (d) or (e) of the IRS Code of 1954 or through the State of Tennessee. If you have any outstanding questions regarding eligibility status, please be aware that following a major federal disaster declaration, the state holds applicant briefings to inform potential applicants of the assistance available and how to apply. Additionally, houses of worship are encouraged to contact their county emergency management office for more information on how to submit a Request for Public Assistance. Tipton County’s office can be reached 901-840-3000.
Following the approved request FEMA and the applicants will hold meetings to discuss disaster-caused damage and how to develop the project. Applicants must identify and report their needs by the May 6 deadline. If a project request is approved, FEMA obligates project funds, which are received by the state. The state determines how much of those costs is the applicant’s responsibility.
You may visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701 or you can also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo; Twitter.com/femaregion4 and Facebook.com/FEMA for the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region IV External Affairs at 202-826-3190. If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 901-544-4131.