How to get disaster relief after the Central Texas floods

This month’s flash floods have left properties across Central Texas damaged or destroyed. Many resources are available at the federal and local levels to those looking for assistance as they recover from this disaster. Residents of six Texas counties – Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson – are now eligible to directly petition the federal government for financial assistance.

An additional 15 counties – Bandera, Bexar, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard and Reeves – are part of a state disaster declaration, making residents there eligible to receive property tax exemptions on damaged estates.

Here are a few common questions, answers and resources surrounding disaster relief recovery that might be helpful:

How do I request financial aid from FEMA?

If you live in one of the six eligible counties and suffered damages, you can request a grant to help you pay for housing assistance and other needs. You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

What can FEMA aid money be used for?

Individual Aid money can be used to:

• Cover the cost of temporary housing, including hotels, motels, stays with family or friends and any other available options.
• Reimburse you for what you spent on emergency lodging expenses immediately after the disaster.
• Repair or replace your home.
• Repair or replace other damaged personal property such as appliances, furnishings and computers.
• Repair or replace damaged vehicles.
• Cover the cost of child care for up to eight weeks.
• Cover medical and dental bills accrued for care sought as a direct result of the floods.
• Pay for funeral expenses for deaths caused by the disaster.
• Cover the cost of cleaning and sanitizing your home.
• Build hazard mitigation for your home to protect against future disasters.
• Repair privately-owned roads, bridges and docks, if they provide the only access to your home.
• Purchase flood insurance for three years if your home is in a “Special Flood Hazard Area.”

How much money can I get from FEMA?

Although the number is personalized based on the damages and needs incurred as a result of the disaster, it is capped at $43,600 for housing-related assistance and $43,600 for other needs, meaning a cumulative max of $87,200.

If I have insurance, do I still qualify for FEMA aid?

You might. FEMA’s website says that those who have insurance covering their damages must file a claim with their insurance provider and then submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA so the agency can determine your eligibility. You do not have to file the claim before applying for assistance, but it will be required to be considered for certain types of assistance.

Do I qualify for FEMA assistance?

To qualify, you must: live in one of the six approved counties; have suffered damage from the floods; be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien; verify your identity with a valid Social Security number; prove ownership or occupancy of the disaster-damaged home; and show that disaster-related needs are not fully covered by insurance or other sources. FEMA may ask for additional documentation if it cannot verify this information through public records. Applicants must also certify that the information they provide is truthful, as submitting false information can result in criminal charges and repayment of improperly received aid.

How do I apply for FEMA aid?

You can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. You should take pictures of your damaged home and belongings and make a list of damaged and lost items immediately, as it could be helpful when discussing losses with your insurance provider or FEMA inspector.

Does FEMA pay for food loss?

No, FEMA’s Individual Assistance does not pay for food lost in disasters. However, those affected by the flood can apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to replace the food they lost. On July 16, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state had received federal approval to provide SNAP recipients in 26 additional counties impacted by recent flooding “to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals.”

You must submit an application before August 4, 2025. You can apply by calling 211 and choosing option 7, or by mailing Form H1855 to the Texas Health and Human Services Department at P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027. You can also fax it to (877) 447-2839.

Are there local organizations I can ask for help?

Yes, many volunteer organizations have been working to help individuals affected by the floods.

For residents of Travis and Williamson counties:

• You can call a crisis cleanup hotline that will match you with volunteers looking to help: (512) 201-4814.
• Those living in or near Liberty Hill can also call Operation Liberty Hill at: (512) 778-4176.

For residents of Burnet County:

• The Ark of the Highland Lakes is available to help those who need assistance. You can reach them at: (325) 423-3662 or www.arkofhighlandlakes.org.

Are there any mental health resources to support me through flood recovery?

The state has set up an emotional support hotline where survivors, families and first responders can receive crisis counseling. The number is (833) 812-2480.

Do I qualify for a tax exemption if my house was damaged?

Yes, if your home, business or manufactured home was more than 15% damaged in a county included in a state or federal disaster declaration, you are eligible for a property tax exemption between 15% and 100%. To qualify, you must fill out Form 50-312 and deliver it to your appraisal district within 105 days of the disaster declaration, or before October 17, 2025.

Eligible counties are: Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson.

Can I donate to help the recovery efforts?

Yes. Travis County established a disaster relief fund on Tuesday that you can donate to. You can also donate to The Ark of the Highland Lakes. Supply donations are being accepted at Operation Liberty Hill, located at 1401 N US Hwy 183, Georgetown, TX.

Other Resources:

• For free telehealth for non-emergency healthcare during disaster relief, you can call (855) 225-5032.
• To see a map of closed roads, visit ATXFloods.com.
• Texas A&M University has a free online guide: After a Disaster: How to Recover.
• Additional flood relief guidance can be found at FloodSmart.gov.