Louisiana homeowners and renters that were affected by Hurricane Ida and live in parishes designated for Individual Assistance could be eligible for help from FEMA.

The parishes include: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

However, if you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, then you may be eligible for federal assistance.

To apply, the fastest and easiest way is to go to disasterassistance.gov.

If it's not possible to apply online, you can call 800-621-3362. Those lines operate from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week.

When you apply for assistance, you should have the following information handy:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
  • Your Social Security number, if available
  • A general list of damage and losses
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

As soon as it is safe, start cleaning up. Take photos to document the damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance could include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families to recover from the hurricane.

One of the programs available is from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and includes low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and nonprofits. Just like FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For homeowners, up to $200,000 is available to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $400,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611.

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