Deadline approaching for FEMA claims from Hurricane Ian

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — If you lost property or your home suffered damage from Hurricane Ian, you have just two days left to file a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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In our viewing area, survivors in Putnam and St. Johns counties are eligible for individual assistance from Ian-related damages. You’re asked to call your insurance company first to make a claim, and then call FEMA to apply.

Action News Jax spoke with Alberto A. Pillot, a media relations specialist for FEMA.

“FEMA will hold the registration until you provide what’s called a determination letter from the insurance company to see what the insurance company is eligible for,” Pillot said.

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January 12 is the deadline to apply for help.

“That doesn’t mean FEMA is leaving,” Pillot said. “We’ll still be here as long as we’re needed. It’s just the registration deadline for our application for the first time.”

Wanda Rivers, who lives in Elkton, stopped by FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center Tuesday in St. Johns County. She was impacted by Hurricane Ian in September.

“The water filter system affected my home, and this truck was flooded,” Rivers said. “It rained in the church. I got safety inspectors saying we can’t use the kitchen anymore. I’m here today to find out what I can do for the church to get it fixed.”

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FEMA has provided $871 million to households affected by Hurricane Ian and $503 million to the state for emergency response to Hurricane Ian. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.42 billion in disaster loans, and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $1.72 billion in claims to Hurricane Ian survivors.

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll need to provide proper documentation.

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For those with damage from Hurricane Nicole, you’ll have to fill out a separate application for financial help.

According to FEMA, residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for individual assistance.

Survivors can go online, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. eastern time.

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