We help disaster survivors in the Tampa Bay area with disaster-related legal and social need problems such as insurance denials, contractor issues, consumer and debt problems, housing issues, advance directives, and other legal and social need matters.

Disaster Resource Guide for Hurricane Debby

FEMA

FEMA has opened applications for Individual Assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Debby. Individual Assistance can include funds for temporary housing, funds to repair your home, and funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and needs. The deadline to apply for Individual Assistance is October 9, 2024. Visit the FEMA website for a complete list of eligible counties.

There are several ways to apply for Individual Assistance:

• Toll-Free Hotline: (800) 621-3362 (available from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. EST, 7 days a week, multiple language options)
• If Hearing or Speech Impaired: (800) 462-7585
• If 711 or Video Relay Service: (800) 621-3362
• DisasterAssistance.gov
• FEMA Mobile App
• In Person at the Disaster Recovery Centers

FEMA Appeals

If you received a FEMA decision that you disagree with, you are entitled to an appeal to have FEMA review your file again. This will allow you to provide new or additional information not previously submitted that may change the decision. An appeal must be made in writing and submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

Ways to submit an Appeal:

• Fax to (800) 827-8112 (Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program)
• Uploaded to your FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Mail to FEMA: Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• In person at a Disaster Recovery Center

A free online tool is available to help you create an appeal letter. Keep in mind this tool will not file the appeal for you. You will still have to mail, fax or upload the appeal letter yourself.

211

United Way can help connect disaster survivors and other members of communities with local and government resources. This service can be accessed just by dialing 211 on a local phone, and helps survivors find resources for basic needs like housing, food, transportation, healthcare and more.

Insurance Claims

If you have suffered damage to your property and have insurance, be sure to read and understand your insurance policies thoroughly when making a claim. Policies can differ in types of coverage and required information, and the time to provide that information to your insurer is often limited. United Policyholders maintains a library of resources for insurance and claims.

Beware of Fraud

In the wake of a disaster, it is common for scam artists and criminals to try to take advantage of disaster survivors. Be careful with whom you share personal information and report any suspicious activity. Visit the FEMA website for more information on disaster fraud and scams. Report unlicensed activity by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at: (866) 532-1440 or online. You may also report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General’s office at: (866) 966-7226 or MyFloridaLegal.com

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

If you lost your job or had your self-employment interrupted because of the hurricane, you may be eligible for DUA. To file a DUA claim, visit FloridaJobs.org or call (800) 385-3920. For DUA claims information, call (833) FL-APPLY or (833) 352-7759 to speak to a customer service representative

The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 15, 2024, for businesses and residents in Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties. For businesses and residents in Madison County the deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 25, 2024.

Disaster Legal Aid Helplines

The Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline is available for disaster survivors anywhere in the State of Florida. The hotline is available to provide disaster survivors who cannot afford an attorney with free legal advice, and to connect those survivors with legal aid where they live. Survivors can call (833) 514-2940.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)

Disaster Recovery Centers are coordinated efforts with FEMA, local government, and disaster relief groups to provide a place for disaster survivors to access various resources, apply for assistance, and receive information on disaster recovery. To determine if a DRC is open in your area, please visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Locator website or call (800) 631-6362.