Waiting for FEMA check? Here’s how to get help (2024)

We’ve heard from many of you who are still waiting for your FEMA checks after Hurricane Beryl left behind damage in our area. FEMA first said it would take up to 10 days for someone to get their funds but many say they are still waiting.

I got approved for FEMA reimbursem*nt where’s my check?

According to FEMA, applicants can expect to receive a letter within 10 days of explaining FEMA’s eligibility decision. If you are eligible, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit within about 10 days of the inspector’s visit.

RELATED: Why FEMA may have denied your request for help after Hurricane Beryl

If you are applying for a grant, the funds may be issued seven to 10 days after your application. However, for larger scale disasters such as Hurricane Beryl, it can take one to two months to receive reimbursem*nt for eligible lodging expenses after receipts are submitted.

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov.

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• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.

• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages.

But many of you are telling us it’s not that easy and you are still waiting for your money

KPRC 2′s Faith Braverman experienced similar issues while trying to get answers about missing FEMA money. After hours of calling and emailing multiple agencies, a representative with FEMA Region 6 sent the following:

We are committed to ensuring all disaster survivors receive every dollar of disaster assistance for which they are eligible and continue to help them in their recovery process. To date, FEMA has approved $558.8 million in financial help for Texans for Hurricane Beryl.

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) payments are being paid by the State of Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TX HHSC). This includes Serious Needs Assistance, which is a one-time $750 payment to help individuals pay for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. In this joint operation, the State processes ONA using the same eligibility requirements as FEMA, and the payments are disbursed by TX HHSC. If survivors have any inquiries about Other Needs Assistance funds, they can call the State of Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TX HHSC) helpline at 1-800-582-5233.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

The FEMA website says: FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. You may also visit to ask questions about your case. DRCs are set up in convenient areas after a disaster to make them easier to find.

Here is the map to search for a FEMA center near you.

A DRC may be able to help you:

• Apply for assistance. You may also Apply for FEMA Assistance online or Apply/Check your status by phone 1-800-621-3362.

• Learn more about disaster assistance programs.

• Learn the status of your FEMA application.

• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.

• Find housing and rental assistance information.

• Get answers to questions or resolve problems.

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• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.

• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs

Texas Health and Human Services also released a statement in regards to the FEMA checks:

HHSC is working diligently to distribute funds to FEMA approved disaster survivors. While we are answering calls as quickly and efficiently as we can, wait times are longer than usual as our staff handles the increased volume of calls.

To date, HHSC has distributed $450 million in Other Needs Assistance (ONA) funds to disaster survivors in the Houston area in connection with Hurricane Beryl. Limitations of our claims processing system, that have since been resolved, created a significant delay in funds being distributed. In addition, HHSC sent $10 million to the Comptroller for processing by the close of business Monday. The Comptroller distributes money via direct deposit or by mailed check.

HHSC is also working to expand the capacity to our hotline. We are adding new staff to handle the additional calls. However, FEMA requires agents to have a fingerprint background check, which is causing additional delays in expanding the hotline. In the meantime, FEMA has agreed to answer HHSC inquiries on their hotline while we expand our hotline capacity.

HHSC has deployed ONA personnel to staff six FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Harris and Montgomery counties. Applicants visiting these locations can ask staff questions about their case.The DRCs are located at:

• Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market St., Houston, TX 77020
  

• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Road, Houston, TX 77091
  

• SpringSpirit, 8526 Pitner Road, Houston, TX 77080
  

• Felix Baldree Building, 13828 Corpus Christi St., Houston, TX 77015
  

• Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston, TX 77084
  

• 16401 1st St., Splendora, TX
  

Please view the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Locator for more information.

KPRC 2 is committed to getting more answers and will update this article as information becomes available. Let us know if you are dealing with FEMA check issues. Just post in the comments below.