Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Update on Federal Disaster Response in Northwest Indiana

As residents throughout Northwest Indiana continue to access storm assistance, I wanted to send a reminder about the One-Stop-Shop opening today in Gary and additional information from FEMA.

One-Stop-Shop in Gary
IDHS and FEMA are offering a One-Stop-Shop for Storm Assistance at United Steelworkers Local 1014 beginning today, Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This location will bring together resources and organizations that can help residents navigate recovery and get the support they need.

Lake County One-Stop-Shop:
United Steelworkers Local 1014
1301 Texas Street
Gary, Indiana 46402

Hours:
Wednesday, September 23 – Saturday, September 25: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 28 – Friday, October 2: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

In addition to FEMA staff being on-site, state services will be available, including social services, public health services, motor vehicle assistance, and applications for the state disaster relief fund.

FEMA has provided answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the assistance application process. Following this update, please find a listing of the most common questions and answers to help you through the application and appeal processes.

If you or someone you know is having any difficulty recovering from the storms or needs help navigating available resources, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 219-795-1844 or visit mrvan.house.gov.

FAQ Information from FEMA

Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance?
Yes. However, FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance. File an insurance claim first, then apply for FEMA assistance for unmet needs. FEMA needs a copy of your insurance settlement or denial before your application for disaster assistance can be considered. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits received from your insurance company.

If your insurance benefits are delayed for 30 days or more through no fault of your own, FEMA may provide money to help meet your immediate needs. If you receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you must pay back the government assistance received. Contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for details.

Will FEMA help pay insurance deductibles?

FEMA doesn’t directly pay deductibles, but your FEMA award may be able to cover some or all of it. After you apply, FEMA will work with you to determine your eligibility and the type of assistance that could meet your needs.

I need to apply for FEMA assistance, but I don’t have an email address. What should I do?

You can still apply. You are only required to provide an email address if you select Digital Pay to receive any eligible assistance.

I can’t find proof of home ownership, what can I do?

FEMA will accept many different forms in order for a homeowner to prove ownership. Learn more: FEMA.gov/ownership. Below are some examples of documents FEMA will accept to prove your home ownership:

Deed or official record
Mortgage documentation or home purchase contracts (bill of sale, land installment contract, etc.)
Manufactured home certificate or title
Property tax receipt or bill
Homeowners insurance documentation

Your County Assessor’s Office has access to ownership cards and documentation and your County Treasurer’s Office maintains property tax bills. Property deeds and home purchase contracts may be available at your County Recorder’s Office.

I just discovered water damage to my furnace that I didn’t report to FEMA when I applied. Could I still get help for those repairs?

FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces or water heaters and replace those destroyed by floodwater. If you receive a FEMA grant for repair of your furnace or water heater and later discover those items need replacing, you can use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. You have 60 days to appeal and must submit a letter with a verified contractor’s estimate for that replacement.

The weather head was damaged by the August storm. Can I get help to replace that?

If the repair/replacement of your home’s weather head is your responsibility, it’s necessary to live in the home and it is not covered by another funding source, the cost may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Report this damage when you apply. If the damage was found after your request for FEMA assistance, you may be able to appeal FEMA’s decision stating you have found additional damage.

If I’m uncertain about a FEMA inspector’s identity, what should I do?

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if you have questions about the identity or legitimacy of your inspector. After you apply, FEMA inspectors may call from an unknown phone number to set up an inspection appointment. Inspectors will present an official FEMA ID and will already have your application number when they arrive at your home. You can ask them to verify that information before the inspection begins.

Will FEMA grants affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid?

No. FEMA assistance is tax-free and does not affect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

Can FEMA help me with my disaster-damaged durable medical equipment?

FEMA may pay for an exterior ramp, grab bars or a paved path of travel from your vehicle to your home when needed by you or a member of your household. Medical assistance may also be available for uninsured, disaster-caused expenses such as the replacement of prescribed medication, damage to durable medical equipment or the loss or injury of a service animal. Call the FEMA Helpline or visit an in-person support site to learn more.

I received a letter saying I am currently not approved for FEMA assistance. Does that mean I can’t expect any help from FEMA?

Not necessarily. It’s important to read your FEMA decision letter carefully. You may just need to provide additional information—such as your insurance settlement or denial letter—or other documents to keep your application moving. You can visit an in-person support site or call the FEMA Helpline if you need help with the process.

How can I appeal?

Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. Your FEMA letter will provide additional information on what will need to be provided if you choose to appeal FEMA’s decision. With your decision letter, FEMA will also provide an Appeal Request Form that may be used to help provide additional information. Your appeal may be submitted by fax or mail, in-person or online if you have a FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
By fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
In-person: Visit any of the state’s in-person One-Stop Shops to submit your appeal. To find a location nearest you visit on.in.gov/August2026Disaster

Does FEMA help with debris removal costs on my private property?

While FEMA programs don’t cover private property debris removal, other organizations may be available to assist. Residents can call Indiana 211 or 866-211-9966 or visit the Indiana 211 website to find resources that may be able to assist with removing debris on their property.

Does FEMA help with disaster-caused mold damage?

FEMA may provide funds to address damage from mold. If you are a homeowner, you may receive money for cleanup or removal of disaster-caused mold. To be eligible for this assistance, you need to apply then FEMA will need to verify that you are unable to live in your home because of the disaster caused mold damage. Limited funds may also be available to homeowners and renters to prevent additional losses or potential health and safety concerns from mold growth.

As always, should you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my Merrillville office at 219-795-1844 or contact my office at mrvan.house.gov.