FEMA reminds Georgia residents to spend grants wisely

ATLANTA, Ga. (WALB) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reminding Georgia residents to use their federal disaster relief grants wisely.

According to a press release, FEMA will send a letter to grant recipients explaining what the funds can be used for and listing how the money can be used.

“Disaster grants are not intended to cover regular living expenses,” FEMA said.

The agency recommends that survivors keep receipts for all expenses for at least three years because FEMA may require reimbursement of the grant if it is spent for a purpose other than its intended purpose.

FEMA provided examples of what the grant covers:

Home repairs such as structural, water, septic and sewer systems.
Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit.
Repair or replace a flooded essential vehicle.
Medical or dental care for uninsured damage caused by the disaster.
Repair of professional special tools.
Necessary teaching materials such as computers, textbooks and materials.
Moving and storage costs related to the disaster.
Increased child care costs.

FEMA says it’s also important to ensure the agency has the most current information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If the agency doesn’t have accurate information, survivors may miss letters or phone calls about relief requests or payment status.

Anyone with questions about the FEMA Disaster Assistance Grant is asked to call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in most languages.

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