FEMA: More than $4M has been granted for storm relief in Arkansas; here’s how to apply for assistance

Little Rock, Arkansas – According to federal officials, more than $4 million has been authorized in individual aid for the victims of the terrible tornadoes that struck Arkansas.

As of April 13, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials reported that 5,766 individual assistance requests had been submitted in Arkansas.

A series of tornadoes that swept the state on March 31 caused severe damage, prompting the federal government to declare Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski counties to be under a state of emergency. People in those locations have been receiving disaster assistance from FEMA to aid in rebuilding, including funding for temporary housing and replacing uninsured property.

As of April 13, 5,766 individual assistance requests had been submitted in Arkansas, according to FEMA. According to officials, more than $4 million has been allocated to aid residents of the three counties.

A letter stating that they are disqualified or that no decision has been made on their obtaining aid may have been sent to some FEMA applicants. The agency suggests that anyone who receives a letter of this nature read it thoroughly to determine what extra is required.

Letters stating that no decision has been made, according to officials, are frequently the result of one or more of the following: a pending insurance settlement, multiple applications coming from the same address, a property that doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced, a missed home inspection appointment, or a house that is unsafe for occupants.

One of the three Disaster Recovery Centers in the state is available for in-person consultations with FEMA experts to address any concerns. At these locations, Arkansas and the Small Business Administration both have agency representatives who can assist with any incomplete documentation.

Cross County – Wynne: Ridgeview Church, 999 US Hwy 64 East, Wynne; Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday: 1–7 p.m.

Pulaski County – Little Rock: West Central Community Center, 8616 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock; Monday – Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Pulaski County – North Little Rock: North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow St., North Little Rock; Monday – Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

FEMA payments are non-taxable and have no impact on other government benefits like Social Security, Medicare, or SNAP, officials warn.

Visit FEMA.gov for more details on how to apply for government aid for tornado damage recovery.