On February 19, 2021 the federal government issued a major disaster declaration for Texas due to the recent severe winter weather. The declaration provides for direct assistance for disaster survivors in 77 counties, including Collin County. The Individual Assistance (IA) authorized by the declaration is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of this storm.
If you received damages from the Texas winter storms and have insurance – file a claim. When you apply for FEMA disaster assistance, you will also need to provide your claim information. The Texas Department of Insurance can provide contact information for insurance companies and answer questions about how to file a claim. Call 800-252-3439 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday. Survivors can also view insurance company contact information online.
Survivors who have underinsured or uninsured losses in the 77 counties approved for assistance may apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
In addition to the disaster assistance provided through FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster. To access more information about SBA disaster assistance please visit their website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission received federal approval to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their food benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals due to impacts from the severe winter storm. SNAP recipients in Texas may also apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by dialing 2-1-1. Local resources and volunteers may be able to assist with needs not covered by insurance. Visit Texas 211 for a list of resources or call 2-1-1.