FEMA aid is now accessible to individuals in 29 Tennessee counties after winter storm damage

More than 2.7 million Tennesseans in 29 counties can now access direct financial aid from FEMA after damage from Winter Storm Fern. The expansion allows individuals to apply for assistance with temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of essential personal property and other serious needs — a shift from earlier relief that went only to governments and nonprofits. The change follows an April 11 amendment to the federal major disaster declaration, prompted by data submitted by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and state partners. Eligible counties include Davidson, Shelby, Rutherford and Williamson, among others. Residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or through the FEMA app. Applicants must provide contact details, a Social Security number, a description of storm-related damage, annual household income and insurance information. FEMA will not ask for payment and will use the assigned registration number to identify cases. The agency may call from an unknown number; failure to respond could delay or deny an application. Receiving FEMA aid does not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or SNAP benefits. Over 2.7 million Tennesseans live in the 29 designated counties where individual FEMA aid is now available.