The Aug. 11 storm that knocked out power for more than 38,000 Gary utility customers for two to three weeks is behind us. But many residents are still recovering from the toll, including physical, mental, and economic damage, and need help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s response to natural disasters and major emergencies in the United States.
Thus far, 330,000 survivor applications have been approved by FEMA, and $137 Million has been paid or allocated to be paid to them, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
The deadline for applying for FEMA assistance is Oct. 25. Because some Gary residents have had trouble completing applications or getting them approved because of mistakes or missing documents, the agency gave Capital B some tips to share with the public to help people speed up the approval of their applications.
The good news for those who’ve been denied is that there may be some things you can do to fix your application.
“Everyone is very confused when they receive their determination letters,” said Kim Keblish, FEMA public affairs specialist. “We need people to read the letter carefully because if people are found ineligible, oftentimes there are common reasons.”
Residents can still apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call the helpline at (800) 621-3362, or visit FEMA in person.
For applicants with insurance
Before applying for FEMA assistance, your first step is to file a claim with your insurer if your policy covers any of your damages.
You need to submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA as part of your application. By law, the federal organization cannot duplicate benefits you’ve already received.
Answer the inspector’s call
After applying, FEMA will call or text applicants within 10 days to schedule an inspection of your residence. Be sure to answer when the inspector calls to move the application forward. When inspectors come to your home, they will present an official FEMA ID and your application number.
Verify the inspector’s identity before the inspection starts to avoid being swindled by an imposter. FEMA inspectors will never ask for money or bank information.
Get temporary housing
If you have received initial rental assistance through FEMA because of unsafe living conditions in your home and are still working toward permanent housing, FEMA may be able to provide temporary housing.
For consideration, you must:
- show proof of use of FEMA rental assistance to pay for temporary housing
- be unable to return to your pre-disaster residence because it is unsafe to live in or no longer available because of the storm
- show inability to obtain housing without assistance
- show you are working towards permanent housing
Appealing FEMA decisions
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, especially if you’re denied, or the amount provided is insufficient, you can submit an appeal letter and supporting documentation within 60 days of the date of your decision letter. Supporting documents can include contractors’ estimates for home repairs.
At the end of the FEMA letter, an appeal request form will be attached to send additional information for each case. This gives applicants space to explain why they need help and to better understand what information FEMA needs.
Appeals can be submitted by mail, online, by fax, or in person at a support site.
- By Mail: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
- Online: Visit disasterassistance.gov and log in to your FEMA account to upload documents electronically.
- Fax: (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA
- In person: Support sites can be found online at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster
Check your heating system, well and septic system
One area that some homeowners forget to check is their appliances and systems. If the exterior of your home suffered no damage, there still may be damage to those. Make sure your furnace and water heater are working properly before the Oct. 25 deadline. FEMA grants are available until then to help repair or replace them if they were destroyed.
Likewise, if your private well or septic system was damaged by the disaster, report it to FEMA. You may be reimbursed for the cost of having a licensed technician prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs and replacements. In addition, FEMA may pay to repair or replace the septic system or well.
Cleaning up mold
FEMA may be able to provide funds to help with mold cleanup. For homeowners, the organization may provide a one-time payment to remove disaster-caused mold. Eligible homeowners must verify with FEMA that they cannot live in their home because of the mold damage. Limited funds are available for renters and homeowners to prevent additional losses or potential safety concerns from mold growth.
Already made repairs? No problem.
If repairs are completed or underway and you need financial help to recover, you can still apply for FEMA assistance. To move the application forward, you will need to provide photographs, receipts, and other documentation proving disaster-related costs or essential needs.
