FEMA extends winter storms deadline to May 20

by Staff reports

A deadline for Texans to register for FEMA assistance for losses from the 2021 winter storms has been extended through May 20, according to a release from the Office of the Texas Governor.

"Thank you to FEMA for granting this registration period extension for Individual Assistance to counties severely impacted by the winter storm," said Governor Greg. Abbott. “I encourage Texans in the qualifying counties to apply for this assistance to help repair any lasting damages from the storm.”

Abbott originally requested Individual Assistance for all 254 Texas counties on Feb. 18; on Feb. 20, the White House partially approved Texas' request for a major disaster declaration. The partial approval included Individual Assistance in 77 counties and for Public Assistance (Emergency Protective Measures Only) in all 254 counties.

Later that month, the Texas Division of Emergency Management re-requested – and FEMA approved – an additional 31 counties to be added to the President's Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. On Feb. 26, FEMA approved an additional 18 counties for Individual Assistance. TDEM continues working closely with local officials to conduct damage assessments and is providing those damage totals from across the state to FEMA for their determination on further county add-ons for both federal Individual Assistance and additional categories of Public Assistance.

Texans in the 126 counties that qualify for Individual Assistance can apply at www.disasterassistance.gov.