Deadline extended for Hurricane Ian disaster assistance to January 12.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

The State of Florida has requested that the Federal Emergency Management Association, or FEMA, extend disaster assistance applications for those affected by Hurricane Ian.

According to a release, FEMA has extended the application deadline to January 12, 2023, for survivors in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties.

Multiple Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) have opened throughout the impacted areas, and it is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Applicants can visit www.disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 800-621-3362. The line is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as a video relay (VRS), captioned telephone, or other services, give FEMA the number for that service.

To find a DRC close to you, visit www.floridadisaster.org or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362.

Insured disaster survivors should file a claim for damage to their homes, property, or vehicle before applying with FEMA. FEMA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance you may have received.