September 7, 2017 - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance grants do not count as income.
Survivors who receive federal disaster assistance as a result of the June storms and flooding will not pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.
Grants for essential home repairs, replacement of personal property or other disaster-related needs do not count as income. Donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.
Disaster recovery grants will not affect any recipient’s eligibility for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
Anyone with questions can visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Isabella and Midland counties.
Isabella County
4855 E. Bluegrass Road
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Midland County
1407 W. Carpenter St.
Midland, MI 48640
Due to the large volume of calls to the FEMA Helpline, residents are encouraged to register for FEMA disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by using the FEMA App on their smart phone.
Michigan residents in the four declared counties of Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Midland are eligible for disaster assistance regardless of disasters occurring in other states.
The deadline to register for disaster assistance in Michigan is Oct. 2, 2017.
