HOUSTON, Texas — Federal aid is now available to residents and business owners affected by Hurricane Beryl in 15 Texas counties.
In a news release, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced that individual assistance was added to Texas’ federal disaster declaration after officials assessed storm-damaged homes. Patrick is serving as governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is on a pre-planned trip to Asia.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved aid on July 12 for affected individuals in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Wharton counties.
FEMA’s individual disaster assistance program may cover:
– Temporary housing
– Emergency home repairs
– Uninsured or underinsured personal property losses
– Disaster legal services
– Disaster unemployment assistance
– Medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the storm
The state has also requested that Fort Bend and Nacogdoches counties be added to the individual assistance program, with more counties possibly being added later.
Texans in the 15 counties who experienced losses due to Hurricane Beryl can apply for assistance through FEMA’s Disaster Assistance portal or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Residents using relay services, such as video relay or captioned telephone service, should provide FEMA with the number for that service when reaching out.
Officials also encourage Texans to report personal property damage to the state and, if applicable, to their insurance companies.
