FEMA payouts for Tennesseans affected by April storms passes $5M as application deadline approaches

Flood water covers parts of the roadway and front yards on residential Christie Street in Dyersburg, Tenn. on April 10, 2025. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $5 million in disaster assistance over the last month to Tennesseans affected by severe storms and flooding in April.

But the window for individuals to apply for aid is drawing to a close — homeowners and renters can submit applications for FEMA support until Aug. 19. 

The agency is preparing to close three of its Disaster Recovery Centers, which help disaster victims with aid applications and provide connections to other resources. Centers in Dyer, McNairy and Montgomery counties will close at 6 p.m. on Aug. 1, according to FEMA. Centers in Hardeman and Obion counties will remain open until FEMA announces otherwise.

Since President Donald Trump’s administration declared Tennessee’s April storms a federal disaster on June 19, FEMA has approved 728 applications for a total of nearly $5.2 million. This includes $2.8 million in housing assistance and $2.3 million in assistance for other needs, as of July 29.

Housing assistance can help affected individuals cover temporary housing costs and pay for structural home repairs not covered by insurance. Funds may also be available to help replace wells, furnaces and septic systems. 

FEMA public assistance available to 3 more counties; Individual payouts top $3M

FEMA’s “other needs assistance” can help homeowners and renters cover the cost of uninsured out-of-pocket expenses caused by the disaster. This can include medical expenses, funeral expenses, cleaning, moving and storage, childcare, repair or replacement of vehicles and replacement of essential items like clothing, furniture, appliances or tools used for work, according to the agency.

Homeowners and renters in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties can apply for individual grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans for uninsured losses. 

The agency does not cover losses already covered by insurance, and the agency recommends individuals file a claim with their insurance company before applying for FEMA aid.

FEMA assistance is not considered taxable income and will not affect individuals’ eligibility for other federal programs and benefits, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to the agency.

Affected individuals can apply for individual assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, through FEMA’s mobile app or by calling 800-621-3362. 

Help with applications is also available at remaining Disaster Recovery Centers at Safe Haven Storm Shelter at 530 Madison Avenue W in Grand Junction in Hardeman County and the Obion County Library in Union City.

Centers offer assistance information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Hours for each center as well as additional resources can be found at fema.gov/disaster/4878.