Washington officials urge flood survivors to apply for FEMA aid before June 10 deadline

Governor Bob Ferguson, FEMA federal coordinating officer John Harrison and King County Executive Germai Zahilay urged residents affected by December’s historic flooding to apply for federal disaster assistance before the application deadline: close of business Monday, June 10.

The officials spoke at a disaster assistance center in Renton, saying multiple forms of help are available. “There are three types of assistance available to individuals: FEMA individual assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration,” Ferguson said, adding that FEMA had distributed nearly $7,000,000 to more than 700 households so far.

Why it matters: hundreds of communities saw record river levels, evacuations and extensive property loss in December, and officials said the June 10 deadline is the immediate constraint for individuals seeking FEMA individual assistance.

FEMA’s John Harrison said there are four ways to apply: online at disasterassistance.gov, by phone, via the FEMA app, or at a local disaster assistance center. He recommended applicants have a Social Security number, the address of damaged property, an inventory of damaged items, insurance information and bank account details to speed processing. Harrison said registrations are followed by inspections and that the inspection/payment process typically takes about seven to 10 days once an application is submitted.

Harrison emphasized precautions against fraud: “Inspectors will never ask for money,” he said, and added that applicants who receive letters requesting more information should respond rather than assume a denial. He added that applicants can appeal denials but must register before the deadline.

King County Executive Germai Zahilay said the county is operating multiple disaster assistance centers and mobile outreach at community events to reach residents who may not apply otherwise. “If you don’t have all your documents yet, just come anyway,” Zahilay said, calling the centers a place to get real-time help completing applications.

Other assistance: speakers said the Small Business Administration has made more than $12.5 million in disaster loans to about 100 households and businesses, and that disaster unemployment assistance is available for people whose employment was disrupted by the storm and is handled by the state Employment Security Department. To find locations, hours or to start an application, officials pointed to disasterassistance.gov and the FEMA app.

The officials repeatedly urged residents to apply even if they are unsure whether they qualify or already have insurance, noting that FEMA assistance can cover temporary housing, home repairs, personal property loss and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

Officials said outreach will continue over the next three weeks, with disaster outreach teams and rotating disaster assistance centers operating in impacted counties. The event closed with a reminder that help is available and that staff at centers can guide applicants through next steps.