Mississippi residents in 36 counties may qualify for FEMA aid after Jan. storms

JACKSON — Residents in 36 Mississippi counties affected by winter storms Jan. 23-27 may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency individual assistance, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said Thursday.

MEMA identified the incident as federal disaster declaration DR-4899 and said people impacted by the storms can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA or through the FEMA mobile app.

MEMA outlined basic eligibility requirements that include U.S. citizenship or qualified status, identity verification using a Social Security number or other accepted documents, proof of home ownership or occupancy and unmet needs not covered by insurance. The agency urged residents whose homes or property were damaged to apply for any assistance they may qualify to receive.

FEMA individual assistance generally helps people meet disaster-related expenses and serious needs that are not covered by insurance, and state emergency management agencies coordinate registration and outreach after federal declarations. We will provide more information as it becomes available.