Federal Flood Assistance Approved For Travis County Residents

EAST AUSTIN, TX -- Travis County residents at Graveyard Point who sustained property damage during flooding in late May are now eligible for federal aid, according to government officials. 

Travis County Emergency Services officials confirmed on Monday that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance has been approved for residents affected by the May 27 flood. Eligibility applies to residents of Graveyard Point who saw flooding from Lake Travis, provided they are living in their primary residence, officials said.

Travis County officials are working with local, state and federal officials to provide recovery services. For flood recovery updates, visit TravisCountytx.gov/emergency. Homeowners who sustained storm damage can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. 

Applicants can also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Flood survivors statewide can call and report their damage to give the state and FEMA a better idea of the type of assistance needed in non-designated counties, county officials said.

Travis County officials detailed the range of assistance being provided: "Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries. These loans do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations."

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance, officials noted. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled, they added.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization such as the American Red Cross, or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. 

Here is the information that applicants will be asked to provide:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home or apartment
• Description of the damage
• Information about insurance coverage
• A current contact telephone number
• An address where they can get mail
• Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, rent receipts or mortgage payment record
• Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.