Time is running out to apply for FEMA Ida relief

opens in a new windowTime is running out to apply for FEMA Ida relief opens in a new window / NJ Spotlight News / 1/4/2022

By Melissa Rose Cooper, Correspondent

Time is running out for thousands of New Jerseyans looking for federal disaster assistance related to Tropical Storm Ida. Wednesday is the deadline for people to submit applications to FEMA. As of Tuesday, the federal agency has approved almost $214 million in Ida disaster relief. But some New Jerseyans say they are having trouble getting the funds they need.

Survivors can use the money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, additional property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. “And best of all it’s grant money so it doesn’t have to be repaid,” said Nikki Gaskins Campbell, a FEMA spokesperson. FEMA says its goal is always to help people get back on their feet as soon as possible and their staff does their best to make sure all concerns are addressed. If a survivor has not received a payment, they should call the FEMA help desk and request a stop payment.