Babin Bulletin | October 17, 2017 Click here if you have trouble viewing this email
Questions and Answers on Disaster Assistance
1. WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE FOR FEMA 
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE AND HOW DO I APPLY? 

The deadline is Oct. 24, 2017. To apply, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. This is the first step in receiving assistance. 

2. WHAT IF I MISS THE OCT.24,2017 DEADLINE? 

You will be ineligible to receive assistance. It is critical that everyone who may be eligible for assistance apply by the Oct. 24th deadline. 


Over 500 residents attend Rep. Babin's town hall meeting in Orange to get their questions answered about disaster assistance.

3. CAN I APPLY FOR DISASTER RELATED 
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE? 

Yes, apply through Texas Workforce Center’s website at twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/disaster-unemployment-assistance or by calling 800-939-6631. The deadline to apply for disaster related 
unemployment assistance through the State of Texas is Oct. 31, 2017. 

4. IF FEMA DENIED MY APPLICATION FOR FEMA 
DISASTER ASSISTANCE,MAY I APPEAL? 

Yes, the denial may be due to a simple error or a more  substantial reason. The denial response you received from FEMA should have included specific instructions on how you may appeal FEMA’s denial. Importantly, you must appeal by the deadline included in your FEMA response. 

5. IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE FEMA INSPECTOR’S 
DECISION REGARDING DAMAGETO MY HOMEAND 
PROPERTY, MAY I APPEAL AND HOW DO I DO SO? 

Yes, you may appeal FEMA’s decision if you believe it is in 
error. Every applicant has the right to appeal. Be sure to provide 
as many supporting documents and pictures as possible. The 
notice you received from FEMA should have provided all of the 
information you need to file an appeal. Importantly, you must 
appeal by the deadline included in your FEMA response. 

6. WHY HASN’TAN INSPECTOR BEEN OUTTO MYHOME? 

FEMA advises that on average it is taking about 20-40 days 
from the time of filing with FEMA until you receive a FEMA 
inspection of your property. Though some inspections may 
take longer, I have personally requested that FEMA provide 
more inspectors to speed up the process and place additional 
inspectors on the job to cut wait times. 

7. WHY DO DIFFERENT PEOPLE GET DIFFERENT 
AMOUNTS OF MONEY FROM FEMA? 

There are many factors used by FEMA to determine the amount of 
assistance FEMA provides, including family size, use of bedrooms and 
extent of damage among others. Remember, if you do not agree with 
FEMA’s assessment, you have every right to appeal that decision. 

8. WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? 

Please visit www.babin.house.gov/Harvey for helpful disaster 
assistance information. You may also call any of our offices and 
speak to anyone on my staff who will be able to answer your 
questions or direct you to the appropriate place: Deer Park 
(832-780-0966), Orange (409-883-8075) or Woodville (844-303-8934).
Together, We Will Rebuild and Come Back Stronger
For six days, Harvey dumped record amounts of rainfall across our region. The impact was devastating and widespread, but in the midst of this devastation, we have seen incredible stories of bravery, compassion and resiliency. 

Rep. Babin meets with flood victims to discuss local needs and federal response.
In that same Texas spirit, our office has been working tirelessly to help folks get back on their feet. We have set up dozens of mobile offices to provide constituents with one-on-one assistance in applying for help right in their own communities.

However, many are still in need. This was made abundantly clear when over 800 residents recently showed up for our disaster recovery town hall meetings to get their questions answered directly from FEMA, SBA and other agencies. 

Here are two things that everyone needs to know:

1. The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is October 24, 2017 – DO NOT MISS THIS DEADLINE. 

2. If you are initially denied by FEMA, be sure to file an appeal.  

If you run into any problems, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 832-780-0966. We are ready and eager to help. Together, we will recover and rebuild and come back stronger. 

Rep. Babin thanks emergency official and discusses the federal response.
Constituent Success Stories
“I was amazed at the timely response we received once you worked on our case.” 
– Nelda 

“I appreciate your time this afternoon as well as your patience. With the information you provided I hopefully can begin a game plan” 
– Virginia 

“Thank you and your staff for keeping your 
constituents informed on all the issues that you do!” 
– Mike
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