Waiting for FEMA review? How to get help

We’ve heard from many of you that they’re still waiting for their FEMA checks after Hurricane Beryl caused damage in our area. FEMA initially said it would take up to 10 days for anyone to receive their funds, but many say they’re still waiting.

I have been approved for a reimbursement from FEMA. Where is my check?

According to FEMA, applicants can expect to receive a letter within 10 days of FEMA declaring their 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 rejected your request for assistance after Hurricane Beryl

If you apply for a grant, funds can be disbursed seven to ten days after you submit your application. However, in major disasters such as Hurricane Beryl, it may take one to two months to receive reimbursement for eligible lodging expenses after you submit receipts.

• Download the FEMA mobile app.

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay (VRS), closed captioned phone, or another service, give FEMA your number for that service.

But many of you tell us that it is not that easy and you are still waiting.

KPRC 2’s Faith Braverman had similar problems trying to get answers about missing FEMA funds. After hours of calls and emails to multiple agencies, a representative from FEMA Region 6 sent the following:

We are committed to ensuring that all disaster survivors receive every dollar of disaster assistance they are entitled to and that we continue to support them in their recovery process. To date, FEMA has 558.8 million US dollars as financial aid for Texans after Hurricane Beryl.

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) payments are provided by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TX HHSC) and include Serious Needs Assistance, a one-time payment of $750 that helps individuals pay for essentials such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medications, and other emergency supplies. In this joint effort, the state processes ONA using the same eligibility requirements as FEMA, and payments are disbursed by TX HHSC. If survivors have questions about funds for Other Needs Assistance, they can call the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TX HHSC) Helpline at 1-800-582-5233.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

The FEMA website states: “FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices that you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster relief programs.” You can also stop by to ask questions about your case. DRCs are set up in convenient locations 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:

• Learn more about disaster relief programs.

• Find out the status of your FEMA application.

• Understand any letters you receive from FEMA.

• Find information on housing and rental assistance.

• Get answers to questions or solve problems.

• Get referrals to agencies that may be able to offer further assistance.

• Learn more about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs