Disaster Assistance Approved In First 4 Counties; FEMA Moving In

With federal disaster aid approved in Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is setting up in the area. Those affected by the February flooding may also be able to access emergency SNAP benefits. 

Those residents may also receive help with expenses related to essential items including temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs as a result of the winter flooding.

Flood victims who registered damages through a state survey still need to register directly with FEMA. The state survey was used to help the damage assistance teams apply for the federal help.

Logan and Wayne counties have been declared disaster areas, but the service locations have not been set up yet. 

How To Apply For FEMA Funds

There are four ways to apply:

1. 1. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
2. 2. Download the FEMA App.
3. 3. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
   
   
   • Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service.
     
     
4. 4. Speak with someone in person.
   
   
   • Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be on the ground in impacted communities, walking door-to-door to share information and help residents apply for FEMA assistance. 
     
     
   • If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for losses that your insurance will cover.

​​​​​​​When you apply, you will be asked to provide:

• A description of the damage 
• Your contact information, including your current phone number and your 911 address where you can currently be reached  
• Your 911 address at the time of disaster  
• Your Social Security number 
• Your contact information 
• If you have insurance, your policy number, agent or company 
• Your annual household income 
• Your bank account information, if you would like to receive direct deposit  

For a more detailed application checklist: Application Checklist | disasterassistance.gov.

How To Check Your Application

If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and have questions about the status of your application or about appealing a FEMA determination letter you have received, visit a DRC near you for one-on-one assistance or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA staff are ready to answer your questions.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page.

FEMA Disaster Center Locations

How To Access SNAP Benefits

Nearly 3,000 households in those four counties may also be eligible for Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance benefits. D-SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food, but cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or non-food items. 

Eligibility will be based on the household’s net income, which is determined by adding available income, cash on hand, and accessible bank accounts, then subtracting unreimbursed disaster-related expenses, like food loss or damage to property. Assets such as homes and automobiles are not included in the net income eligibility determination. 

Residents of the four counties may apply for D-SNAP benefits from March 17, 2025, through March 21, 2025.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to bring the following items:

• Photo proof of identity for the head of household, such as a driver’s license or other picture ID;
• Documentation of residence or employment in the affected county at the time of disaster;
• Verification of all income received since February 5, 2025, and ongoing
• Verification of assets such as checking and savings accounts; and 
• Verification of all disaster-related expenses. 

Most benefits will be available within one day of the application. Benefits must be used within 90 days.

Households in the four approved counties receiving ongoing SNAP benefits may be eligible for a one-time disaster supplement to help with recovery. These extra benefits will bring their monthly SNAP amount up to the maximum allowed for their household size. To qualify, households must either request replacement benefits since the disaster or submit a simple form confirming disaster-related expenses. However, households already receiving the maximum SNAP benefit are not eligible for additional funds.

SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and offer nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and households.

D-SNAP Benefit Locations