Renters in Arkansas impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in March and April may be eligible for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Assistance is not limited to homeowners; renters, including students, can apply for support to help with a range of storm-related needs.
Renters may qualify for help covering temporary housing expenses, such as rent, security deposits, and essential utilities like gas, electric, and water. FEMA may also provide financial assistance for the repair or replacement of personal property including furniture, appliances, clothing, school supplies, and job-related equipment. Other eligible expenses include disaster-related medical and dental bills and repairs to a primary vehicle. Assistance is available to renters even if they carry renter’s insurance, though documentation from the insurance provider is required.
Residents in counties designated under federal disaster declarations are eligible to apply. For the March storms, those counties include Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp, and Stone. For the April storms, eligible counties are Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St. Francis, and White.
FEMA grants do not need to be repaid as long as the funds are used for approved disaster-related expenses. These grants are not considered taxable income and will not impact eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.
If FEMA assistance does not cover all damages or losses, renters may also apply for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans can help replace up to $100,000 worth of damaged or destroyed personal property, including vehicles, furniture, and appliances. SBA interest rates for renters are as low as 2.75% with repayment terms up to 30 years.
To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. In-person assistance is also available in impacted areas. Details can be found at fema.gov/disaster/4865 and fema.gov/disaster/4873. Accessible video guidance is available on YouTube under “Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.”
The deadline to apply for assistance related to the March storms is Monday, July 14. For the April storms, the deadline is Tuesday, July 22. Renters affected by both disaster periods are encouraged to file a separate application for each event.
To apply for an SBA disaster loan, visit SBA.gov/disaster, email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov, or call 800-659-2955. The loan application deadlines are the same as those for FEMA aid.
FEMA assistance is provided without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against may call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available. For continued updates on Arkansas disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4865 or fema.gov/disaster/4873.
