Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding Recovery Resources

Federal assistance is now available to individuals in Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrel, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zander, Walker, and Waller Counties. This aid can help with temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs designed to support recovery efforts.

If you have sustained losses, you can apply for assistance through the following means:

• Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• FEMA App: Download and use the FEMA App
• Relay Service Users: Provide FEMA with the number for your relay service

SBA Disaster Loan Application

Homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes in areas designated as disaster zones may be eligible for Small Business Association (SBA) disaster loans. Visit lending.sba.gov to get started.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) has expanded its support for communities devastated by the recent flooding by offering vital housing assistance. According to DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt, housing vouchers are now available to expedite relocation efforts for those displaced. As of Friday, residents from 12 affected counties (Angelina County, Hardin County, Houston County (Houston County does not include Houston, TX nor any part of Harris County), Jasper County, Newton County, Polk County, Sabine County, San Augustine County, San Jacinto County, Shelby County, Trinity County and Tyler County (Tyler County does not include Tyler, TX nor any part of Smith County) are eligible to apply for this assistance, which allows them to secure temporary housing while they work towards recovery. Applicants must meet HUD’s standard qualifications, but in the wake of the disaster, DETCOG can prioritize these applications, significantly shortening the waiting time for aid. Hunt emphasized the importance of applicants having proof of residency and income ready to facilitate the swift processing of their applications. The deadline for applying for this assistance is May 31. For those interested in learning more about DETCOG’s Housing Choice Voucher Program or to apply, further information is available through their official channels. www.dethousing.org

• Dial 2-1-1 and select Option 2.
• Download and submit Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits) via mail or fax.
• Deadlines:
  • For residents of

    Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Baylor, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Coleman, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Concho, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Delta, Denton, DeWitt, Dickens, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Fayette, Freestone, Galveston, Gillespie, Gonzales, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Hardin, Harris, Haskell, Hays, Henderson, Hill, Hockley, Hood, Houston, Hunt, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Karnes, Kaufman, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Knox, Lampasas, Lamar, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Llano, Lynn, Madison, Mason, McCulloch, McLennan, Medina, Menard, Milam, Mills, Montague, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Robertson, Rockwell, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Saba, Shelby, Smith, Somervell, Sutton, Tarrant, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker, Waller, Washington, Wichita, Williamson, and Wilson counties: apply by June 30.

  • For other counties: apply in person within 10 days of discovering the loss.

• Available through May 31, 2024.
• Visit TexasWIC.org or call 800-942-3678 (Option 3) for assistance.
• 24/7 breastfeeding support is available via 855-550-6667.

How to Apply:

• Online: Through the Unemployment Benefit Services.
• By Phone: Call TWC at (800) 939-6631, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by July 16, 2024.
• Specify that the application is related to severe weather damage.

Effective Immediately:

• Foreclosure Moratorium: A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for FHA-insured and Native American guaranteed mortgages. Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicer immediately.
• Mortgage Assistance: FHA’s Section 203(h) program offers 100% financing for reconstruction or replacement of homes.
• Rehabilitation Loans: The Section 203(k) loan program allows financing for home purchase/refinance and repairs in a single mortgage.
• Housing Information Sharing: HUD will provide FEMA and the State with information on available housing units and connect them with subject matter experts.
• Program Flexibility: Community Planning and Development Grantees, Public Housing Agencies, and Tribes can apply for waivers for administrative flexibility.
• Counseling Services: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to assist affected individuals. Call 1-800-569-4287 for help.
• Fair Housing Assistance: If you face housing discrimination, contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or file a complaint online.

For more details on disaster relief options for FHA homeowners, visit the FHA Disaster Relief site or call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in Texas affected by severe storms and flooding beginning April 26, 2024. Taxpayers in the disaster-declared counties now have until November 1, 2024, to file federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. This extension applies to deadlines falling on or after April 26, 2024, including quarterly estimated tax payments and payroll and excise tax returns. The IRS will automatically identify and apply relief to taxpayers in the affected areas, but those outside the disaster area can request relief by calling the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.