What FEMA assistance is available to Texas?

Individual Assistance (IA)

FEMA's direct assistance to individuals and households. There are currently 77 counties eligible for IA. These counties can be viewed on the FEMA map found at this link:

Texas Severe Winter Storms (DR-4586-TX) declarations page

Public Assistance (PA)

FEMA grant program for eligible state, local, tribal governments and certain non-profit organizations. This assistance is limited to FEMA's Category B Emergency Protective Measures. Eligible applicants in all 254 Texas counties are eligible for this grant program.

How does a Texan apply for FEMA IA?

Individuals in one of the 77 declared counties for IA can register online at:

www.DisasterAssitance.gov

Or call

1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585

How can my county be included for IA?

Counties can be added as they provide enough data through the Self Reporting Damage Survey. This survey is for individuals to submit information about damages to their households. Decisions on adding counties are made by FEMA after being provided enough data to show the local jurisdiction (and the state) are unable to recover without federal assistance.

How do governments and non-profit organizations become eligible for additional categories of PA?

Federal regulation requires that both the state and each county surpass their FEMA threshold in order to be eligible for additional categories of PA. Jurisdictions must show they have uninsured damages that exceed this threshold. Remember that all counties currently have access to Emergency Protective Measures under the PA program, so damages should include information on damages outside of this category. A jurisdiction must do the following:

1. Submit an official Request for Public Assistance (RPA)
2. Attend an applicant briefing (There will be multiple opportunities. The first will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 0900. Meeting invitations will be sent out through TDEM regional staff and the State Operations Center)

How does an eligible government or non=profit organization track costs?

Applicants are required to track costs in accordance with FEMA's Public Assistance Category B (emergency protective measure) policies.

Please find additional cost tracking guidance on the TDEM Website.

Other Information

Additional recovery programs have also been made available to aid Texans in recovering from this disaster.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to SNAP recipients to use thief food benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals and for the replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to impacts from the severe winter storm.

USDA Programs

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to work with local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners to address the severe winter weather effects on Texas livestock and poultry and is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to deliver programs that provide assistance to rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by recent winter storms.

If you have any questions, please contact your TDEM District Coordinator