WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16) and Kevin Mullin (CA-15) announced that they successfully secured federal disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for residents of San Mateo County.
“Storms have inundated California, claiming 22 lives across the state and causing over $17 million in damage to homes, businesses, roads, and local government facilities in San Mateo County,” Eshoo said. “I’m immensely grateful to President Biden for approving our request for federal assistance to help our constituents recover from these torrential storms and for his visit to our state last week to personally tour the damage. My office stands ready to assist any constituent seeking relief from FEMA.”
“I am very grateful to President Biden for adding San Mateo County to the list of counties qualifying for a major disaster declaration, making residents eligible for individual assistance. This will be of great help to individuals and business owners who suffered losses during the severe storms that dumped 13 inches of rain on the county in December and January,” Mullin said. “My colleague Anna Eshoo and I will do everything we can to assist our constituents as they recover and rebuild.”
The approval of federal assistance follows the letter written by Reps. Eshoo and Mullin on January 23rd urging President Biden to amend his Major Disaster Declaration for the severe winter storms, flooding, and landslides in California to include San Mateo County. A PDF of the letter can be found HERE.
Residents of San Mateo County can now access Individual Assistance from FEMA by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.
Disaster-related assistance may include:
- Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable;
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items;
- Unemployment payments for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for state benefits (self-employed);
- Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance;
- Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; or
- Advisory assistance for legal veterans’ benefits and social security matters.
More about how to apply for FEMA assistance and other available resources can be found HERE.
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