As part of the disaster assistance process, FEMA must determine ownership and occupancy of damaged primary residences. There are several ways North Carolinians who were affected by Tropical Storm Helene can provide the required documentation.
Homeowners must provide official documentation such as:
· An original deed or deed of trust to the property,
· A mortgage statement or escrow analysis,
· A property tax receipt or property tax bill,
· A manufactured home certificate or title, or
· Property insurance documentation.
In addition, FEMA accepts a public official’s letter or receipts for major repairs or improvements. The public official’s statement (such as a police chief, mayor, or postmaster) must include the name of the applicant, the address of the disaster-damaged residence, a statement that the applicant or co-applicant owned the disaster-damaged residence at the time of the disaster, and the name and phone number of the official providing the verification. The public official’s statement must be dated within the 18-month period of assistance.
Homeowners with mobile homes or travel trailers who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership may self-certify ownership as a last resort. Homeowners with the same address from a previous disaster only need to verify ownership one time. FEMA has expanded the date of eligible documents from three months to one year prior to the disaster.
Homeowners and renters must document that they occupied the dwelling at the time of the disaster. Applicants may provide official documentation, such as:
· A utility bill (electric, water/sewer, etc.),
· An employer’s statement,
· A written lease agreement,
· Rent receipts, or
· A public official’s statement.
FEMA will also accept motor vehicle registration, letters from local schools (public or private), federal or state benefit providers, social service organizations, or court documents. Applicants can also use a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner, or self-certification for a mobile home or travel trailer as a last resort.
The fastest and easiest way to send proof of ownership or occupancy documents to FEMA is to upload them at disasterassistance.gov/. Citizens may also apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (D.R.C.). To find the nearest D.R.C., call the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight E.S.T.
More on Proving Home Ownership & Occupancy For FEMA available on WHKY.
