Maine Renters Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

Renters in counties approved for Individual Assistance who had losses from the January 9-13 severe storm and flooding can apply for federal disaster assistance.

The approved counties are Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York.

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one-month or two-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance.

Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA's Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:

• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as clothing, textbooks, or school supplies as well as furniture or appliances you purchased. FEMA will not cover furniture or appliances that are provided by the landlord
• Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the self-employed
• Primary vehicles
• Uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. You can find a center at fema.gov/drc. The phone line is open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.