Severe Winter Weather Event
Recovery FAQ
February 21, 2021
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 governmentsand 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.DisasterAssistance.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.