On Sept. 10, 2021, Hurricane Ida was declared a federal disaster in all four counties in Legal Aid of Southeastern PA’s service area. The eight Pennsylvania counties included in September 2021 disaster declarations include Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Northampton and York counties.

Hurricane Ida flood resources

This page includes local, state and federal resources and links related to Hurricane Ida on Sept. 1, 2021. As of Sept. 24, 2021, eight Pennsylvania counties are included in the federal disaster declaration: Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties.

The federal disaster declaration allows people in these counties, who were impacted by Hurricane Ida and its aftermath, to apply (“register”) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for financial help.

Bucks County also experienced a 100-year flood July 12, 2021. Resources related to this flood also are included (scroll to Local resources - Bucks County resources).

 

Nov. 10, 2021 is FEMA application deadline for Pennsylvania

The deadline for Pennsylvania residents to apply for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

FEMA disaster declaration

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties are included in the Sept. 10, 2021 federal disaster declaration. Bedford and Northampton counties were added to the disaster declaration on Sept. 24, 2021.

The federal disaster declaration in Pennsylvania means that federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by this disaster in the eight counties. Details on how to apply (“register”) for FEMA assistance in person, online or by phone are included below.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) information for Federal Disaster Assistance for Remnants of Ida.

Addition of Bedford and Northampton counties to federal disaster declaration: Gov. Wolf Announces Additional Counties Approved for Federal Disaster Assistance from Remnants of Ida (PA government press release, Sept. 24, 2021)

Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center

Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center’s webpage dedicated to Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania

Where to apply for FEMA assistance in-person

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are opening locally, if you wish to apply in-person for disaster assistance.

  • You may apply for assistance at any DRC location, if you live in a county that is included in an individual assistance disaster declaration (Bedford, Bucks Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia or York counties). You also may apply online or by phone. (Scroll down for details.)

  • Tip from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA): “Applicants are not required to call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 before visiting a DRC, and a visit to the DRC is not required in order to get assistance. However, calling 1-800-621-3362 is a good start and can help applicants get more detailed information once they report to the DRC.”

New: Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers

  • (Updated Oct. 8, 2021) Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MRDCs) will offer limited services from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and a state program manager. Individuals, families, and business owners can apply for federal assistance, receive information about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process, and get updates on their applications.

    • Hampton Inn & Suites Valley Forge/Oaks (100 Cresson Blvd., Phoenixville, PA 19460)

      • Friday, Oct. 8: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 9: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

    • Hyatt Place Philadelphia/King of Prussia (440 American Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406)

      • Monday, Oct. 11 and Tuesday, Oct. 12: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

    • Courtyard Philadelphia Valley Forge/Collegeville (600 Campus Dr., Collegeville, PA 19426)

      • Wednesday, Oct. 13 and Thursday, Oct. 14: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

    • More locations coming soon!

Bucks County Disaster Recovery Centers

Oct. 6 update: Bucks County Disaster Recovery Centers’ schedule for Oct. 12-16 will be announced.

Calvary Church (week of Oct. 4-9, 2021)

820 Souderton Road, Souderton, PA 18964 (Location note: Calvary Church is located in Hilltown Township. The address also can be listed as 820 PA-113) (Map Location).

Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 for Columbus Day.)

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

(Closed on Sundays)

Warwick Square Shopping Mall (Former Giant Grocery Store) (Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2021)

2359 York Road, Jamison, PA 18929

Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

(Closed on Sundays)

Source: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Bucks and York Counties (FEMA press release, Sept. 24, 2021)

Chester County Disaster Recovery Center (opened Sept. 20, 2021)

Ashbridge Square Shopping Center (next to Staples and Home Depot)

945 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Closed Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 for Columbus Day.)

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

(Closed on Sundays)

Source: Pennsylvania/FEMA Disaster Center Will Open in Chester County to Help Pennsylvanians

Delaware County Disaster Recovery Center (opened Sept. 17, 2021)

Note: The Delco DRC is scheduled to close permanently on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at 5 p.m. Residents still can apply in person at any other county’s DRC, or scroll down for online and phone application information.

The Delaware County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is operated in partnership with the Delaware County Emergency Services Dept.

Chadds Ford Township Office

10 Ring Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

(Closed on Sundays)

Source: FEMA Opens Disaster Recovery Centers in Montgomery and Delaware Counties (FEMA press release)

Montgomery County Disaster Recovery Center (opened Sept. 17, 2021)

Montgomery County Community College (Health Sciences Center Gymnasium)

340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell PA 19422. Location note: Once you arrive on the MCCC campus, follow the signs to the Health Sciences Center, which away from the main campus buildings. Google map.

Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Closed Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 for Columbus Day.)

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

(Closed on Sundays.)

Access: Parking is free on-site. SEPTA bus routes 96 and 94 both service this location. Masks are required to enter the Disaster Recovery Center.

Source: FEMA Opens Disaster Recovery Centers in Montgomery and Delaware Counties (FEMA press release)

Philadelphia County Disaster Recovery Center (opened Sept. 26, 2021)

Former CVS location

7219 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Closed Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 for Columbus Day.)

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(Closed on Sundays)

Source: Pennsylvania/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Will Open in Philadelphia to Help Pennsylvanians (FEMA press release)

York County Disaster Recovery Center (opened Sept. 24, 2021)

Manchester Township Municipal Building

3200 Farmtrail Road, York, PA 17406

Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Closed Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 for Columbus Day.)

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

(Closed on Sundays)

Source: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Bucks and York Counties (FEMA press release, Sept. 24, 2021)

How to apply for FEMA assistance online or by phone

(Updated Sept. 15, 2021. Source: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210915/how-register-fema-disaster-assistance-pennsylvania)

Because of the Hurricane Ida disaster declaration, residents of Bucks Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties who were impacted by Hurricane Ida can now apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Apply if you suffered property damage or loss directly caused by the hurricane. Even if you have insurance, FEMA encourages you to apply for disaster assistance. Help may be available for uninsured or underinsured damages and if insurance claims are not promptly settled.

Individual Assistance (IA) is available to individuals and households for emergency work and the repair or replacement of homes damaged by Hurricane Ida. Federal assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing, home repairs to primary residences as well as other disaster-related needs. The aid FEMA provides is for basic survivor needs and is the first step to recovery.

The Small Business Administration has announced low-interest loans for personal property, real property, and business losses in connection with Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania. (Read details in this SBA press release.)

How to apply for disaster assistance

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties can begin applying for assistance:

  • Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov (FEMA recommends applying online for fastest service.)

  • To apply in Spanish, visit DisasterAssistance.gov/es.

  • Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired, Operators can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

To apply, you will need:

  • Your address with zip code

  • Directions to your property

  • Condition of your damaged home

  • Insurance information, if available

  • Social Security number

  • Phone number where you can be contacted

  • Address where you can get mail

  • Email address (Email address is REQUIRED to check your registration status online. If you do not provide an email address, you will have to contact FEMA for any updates to your registration.)

  • Bank account information

    • If you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be sent directly to your bank account.

    • Provide your bank account type, account number, and bank routing number.

After your registration process is complete, you will receive a call from FEMA to follow up. An inspector will schedule an appointment to visit your home. Please note that FEMA-contracted inspectors will not require bank account information.

Stay in touch with FEMA:

  • After registering, you will be given a FEMA registration number

  • Be sure to write your number down and save it

  • You will need the number whenever you contact FEMA

Deadline to apply: Nov. 10, 2021

What happens after you apply

Fraud prevention

FEMA states that after a disaster, scams and identity theft increase. “Criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors,” FEMA stated in a Sept. 28 press release. “Scammers may target survivors when they are in a stressful state and are more susceptible to potential fraud.

“Scams can take different forms and be carried out in many ways, including phone calls, texts, mail or email, websites, or in person. Federal and Commonwealth emergency management officials urge residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity by calling the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866)-720-5721 or your local police department.”

To apply for disaster assistance through FEMA, register at DisasterAssistance.gov (English) or DisasterAssistance.gov/es (Spanish).

Source: Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: pema.pa.gov/Recovery/Documents/Disaster-Assistance-Registration-Flyer-English-Spanish.pdf

Apply for rent and utility assistance in the county where you live.

How to appeal a FEMA denial

The appeal must be filed in the form of a letter, signed by the applicant, within 60 days of the date on FEMA’s decision letter. You need to clearly state why you disagree with the decision and supply the documents which support your explanation. Include any requested information with your letter. Be sure to include the following:

  • Applicant’s full name, current address, and phone number

  • Address of the applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence (damaged property)

  • Applicant’s registration number (on every page)

  • FEMA disaster declaration number – 4618-DR-PA (on every page)

  • Applicant’s signature and the date

  • Reason for appeal (Ownership, Occupancy, home repair amount)

  • Supporting documentation

If the person writing the appeal letter is not the applicant or a member of the applicant’s household, a statement signed by the applicant must be included granting the writer authorization to act on your behalf.

Your appeal letter is not enough to get FEMA to reconsider its decision. You need evidence in your appeal to support what you are claiming. When you submit your appeal, it is important to include the documents or information FEMA requests. Here’s what to include with your letter:

  • Insurance letters: Documents from your insurance company that show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA is unable to duplicate benefits. However, those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

  • Proof of occupancy: The following documents may provide proof of occupancy: Utility bill, driver’s license, lease or bank statement, local school documents (public or private), motor vehicle registrations, court documents and additional forms of documentation, including letters from employers, federal or state benefit providers and social service organizations (such as community assistance programs and non-profits.). Other such proof of occupancy could include: A signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner and/or self-certification for mobile homes and travel trailers. Any of the above can be used to prove the damaged property was your primary residence. All bills and/or statements must be dated within 3 months of the disaster.

  • Proof of ownership: Mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed, receipts for major repairs or improvements, or a mobile home park letter or a court document. FEMA will accept a public official’s letter, and allow survivors with heirship properties, mobile homes, or travel trailers, who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership verification, to self-certify ownership.

  • If your documents were lost or destroyed, click on usa.gov/replace-vital-documents for information on how to replace them. Or scroll down to state and local resources for replacing lost documents.

You have 60 days from the date on your FEMA determination letter for FEMA to receive your appeal of the first decision. Sign and date your appeal, include the supporting documents and remember to include your nine-digit FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4618-PA) on every page.

There are three ways to submit your appeal:

  • Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

  • Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA (Please include the cover sheet provided with your FEMA decision letter).

  • Upload documents to your DisasterAssistance.gov account. To set up a FEMA online account or to upload documents online, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.

Your appeal may also be submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center or Document Drop-off Center where staff can check that all necessary documents are included. Individuals can find their nearest recovery or document drop-off center by scrolling up, or visiting https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

What's Next?

You’ve written your appeal and sent it to FEMA within 60 days after you received their determination letter. You may receive a call or letter from FEMA asking for more information, or FEMA may schedule another inspection of your primary home. Whichever the case, once you’ve sent FEMA an appeal, you can expect a decision letter within 90 days after FEMA receives it.

Source: Determined Ineligible for FEMA Disaster Assistance? You can Appeal the Decision (FEMA press release, Oct. 8, 2021)

Replace lost ID

Lost ID

  • Replace your PA birth certificate: PA birth certificate replacement application, with fees waived for 90 days under the Disaster Declaration for a Natural Disaster. The 90-day timeframe started Aug. 31, 2021.

  • Replace your Social Security card: If you lost your Social Security card in the storm, here’s how to apply for a replacement.

  • Replace your Pennsylvania driver’s license: Visit PennDOT.

  • Replace your PA photo ID. Visit PennDOT.

    ID Clinics in Exton

  • Beginning Sept. 22, 2021, PA CareerLink of Chester County is hosting ID clinics two times a week in partnership with LASP and United Way of Chester County. Dates and times for these clinics are posted at our Events page: lasp.org/events. The location is: 479 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 500, Exton, PA 19380.

Replacement SNAP benefits - apply by Oct. 1, 2021

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Oct. 20, 2021: Deadline to apply for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties

Oct. 27, 2021: Deadline to apply for Bedford and Northampton counties

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Pennsylvanians In Six Counties Impacted By Remnants Of Hurricane Ida Can Apply For Temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Deadline to apply: Oct. 20, 2021.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources

Help from other U.S. agencies

Pennsylvania resources

Local resources

Bucks County resources

Bucks County is covered by the Hurricane Ida disaster declaration of Sept. 10, 2021. Bucks County also suffered severe flooding in July 2021.

Bucks County Government’s Hurricane Ida page: https://www.buckscounty.gov/1339/Hurricane-Ida-Updates

Bucks County 100-Year Flood Resource Guide from the Bucks County Dept. of Human Services

United Way of Bucks County’s form, “Coordinated Outreach to Bucks County Homeowners Impacted by July 2021 Flood,” can help identify needs such as fixing mold problems.

To replace items, utilize the United Way HELP Center. The Help Center also can provide gift cards,

Bucks County Opportunity Council can provide gift cards.

LASP help in Chester County

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA is available to provide technical and legal assistance to Chester County residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. LASP staff can offer guidance on the following:

  • Landlord/tenant matters

  • Situations where tenants do not have a written lease

  • Researching renters’ and flood insurance

  • Custody concerns for displaced families

  • Replacement of lost documents, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, home deeds, and similar items

Those seeking assistance must contact LASP and open a file. Individuals can call the LASP office directly at 610-436-4510 for Hurricane Ida-related issues rather than going through the helpline, which will allow them to get help faster.

Chester County resources

Delaware County resources

Montgomery County resources