OKLAHOMA CITY — Although the official deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance following the March wildfires and straightline winds has passed, help is still available for affected Oklahoma residents.
Homeowners and renters in Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee and Payne counties now have until Sept. 22 to submit a late application for federal disaster assistance, provided they can explain why they missed the original July 22 deadline.
Survivors can begin the process by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visiting disasterassistance.gov, or using the FEMA mobile app. The helpline is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, with help available in most languages.
Assistance Still Active for Current Applicants Those who applied before the deadline can continue uploading required documents and updating their FEMA accounts. Applicants are urged to keep FEMA informed of changes to insurance settlements, contact information or housing status.
FEMA also reminds applicants that follow-up phone calls may come from unfamiliar area codes. While FEMA representatives will never ask for money, they may contact applicants to request additional information or schedule a home inspection. Inspectors will present official FEMA photo identification and the applicant’s FEMA case number.
What FEMA May Cover FEMA assistance is meant to meet basic needs and does not cover all disaster-related losses. Aid may include:
• Appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines
• Essential clothing
• Basic home furnishings
• Necessary tools for work or education
• One personal computer (additional computers for work or school may also be covered)
• Accessible items for individuals with disabilities To be eligible, items must have been owned and in use prior to the disaster and must not be the responsibility of a landlord or used by non-household guests.
Appealing a FEMA Decision If applicants receive a decision letter from FEMA and disagree with the outcome or assistance amount, they have 60 days from the date on the letter to submit an appeal.
Appeals should include supporting documents such as receipts, estimates, bills, or proof of ownership. Appeals may be submitted:
• Online at DisasterAssistance. gov
• By mail to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 207828055
• By fax to 800-827-8112, Attn: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program Decisions are typically made within 30 to 90 days. FEMA may request more information if needed.
SBA Disaster Loans In addition to FEMA aid, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits for damages not fully covered by insurance. To apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.
Stay Informed For updates on Oklahoma’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/ disaster/4866 or follow FEMA Region 6 on X and Facebook.