Michigan Disaster Assistance Tops $215 Million

Residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties have qualified for nearly $216 million in FEMA disaster assistance. (Photo by Rachel/Flickr Creative Commons License)

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The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report more than 122,000 southeast Michigan residents affected by the August floods have registered for assistance and nearly $216 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved.

Survivors are strongly encouraged to register for FEMA assistance by the Dec. 14 deadline.

FEMA has approved $131 million in grants, while the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $84.9 million in low-interest loans. Applications must be received by the December date to be considered for assistance from FEMA and the SBA; however, disaster funds will continue to flow beyond that date.

Storm-affected homeowners and renters in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses including essential home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Homeowners are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged primary homes.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for loans up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property including automobiles.

Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for working capital loans.

The SBA loan application deadline is Dec. 15, 2014.

How to register

Residents can register for Individual Assistance or check the status of their registrations online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling (800) 621-3362 or

TTY users 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call (800) 621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors who have questions regarding the registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs are encouraged to visit a Business Recovery Center or recovery support site, or contact FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

The Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.