Hurricane Beryl FEMA aid: Some still waiting on reimbursements six-months later

HOUSTON - Many people had to buy or rent a generator after Hurricane Beryl knocked out power for days in the Houston-area.

FEMA announced it would reimburse qualified applicants for some of that cost. But six months later, several people reached out to us, saying they're still waiting for generator reimbursement or other types of FEMA aid that they applied for.

Some FEMA aid applicants say they've been waiting for six months

The backstory:

"I think it was mid-morning and the power went out. And I’m thinking, oh, wow, hope it comes back on soon, because I’ve got a refrigerator-freezer here and a freezer full of food in the garage," said Joe Callahan.

Because Joe and Patty Callahan live in a remote area, they stock up on food they find on sale, and store it in their freezers.

"Because we live so far, we buy stuff on sale and pack it away in a refrigerator. It’s a trek to the grocery store, so we’ve got an investment in our food, explained Patty Callahan.

So when their power was out for several days after Hurricane Beryl, Joe bought a generator for a cool $1,000 to keep their freezers running.

FEMA announced it would reimburse Texans up to $629 who had to purchase or rent generators between July 5–20, 2024 in designated counties, waiving its usual requirement that generators be required for medical equipment.

Joe Callahan applied and is still waiting. He has learned his application is being handled by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission rather than FEMA.

"We’re stuck with waiting for a caseworker to look at the claim, and that’s been going on for six months now," he said.

FEMA partnered with Texas HHS to process aid applications

What they're saying:

We reached out to FEMA, which tells us it's continuing to partner with the State of Texas to process 1.5 million applications for FEMA assistance.

Then we asked Texas Health & Human Services about the delays. HHS sent us a statement, which reads:

"Once a claim is approved, it’s processed for payment. Claims that are unable to be approved are added to a FEMA casework queue for HHSC to review and resolve. HHSC works all cases in the order they are added to the queue and staff are working as quickly as possible to address each one. HHSC has an 18-month timeline to resolve cases."

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And HHSC tells us, "Mr. Callahan’s case is in the queue and HHSC staff are working to resolve all cases as quickly as possible."

But the long wait leaves the Callahan's concerned not just about their application, but for others also waiting for FEMA aid.

"It just amazes me that it would take so long, because they don’t need it six months from now, they need it now.  

What you can do:

Applicants with questions about their claims can contact FEMA:

• Phone: 1-800-621-3362
• Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Email: AskIA@FEMA.DHS.GOV

Those who have applied for FEMA'S Other Needs Assistance, can contact HHSC:

• Phone: 1-800-582-5233 (toll-free)
• Email: DisasterAssistance@hhsc.state.tx.us
• Mail: HHSC Disaster Assistance MC Y-950  P.O. Box 149030  Austin, TX 78714