Is there a roof replacement relief program after a storm or disaster?
Short answer. After a storm, your homeowners insurance is the main relief for a damaged roof, and disaster programs fill gaps rather than replace it. If a major disaster is declared for your county, FEMA may help with repairs insurance does not cover to make a home safe and livable, and SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners.
In order
- Protect the house. Get openings covered to prevent further damage and keep the receipts. Policies generally expect it.
- File the insurance claim. Document the damage with dated photos and report it promptly. See the after a hail storm checklist.
- Register with FEMA if a disaster is declared. FEMA's Individuals and Households Program can help with essential repairs insurance does not cover. It is not meant to fully restore a home, and it will not duplicate insurance payments.
- Apply for an SBA disaster loan. Homeowners can borrow at low interest to repair real estate after a declared disaster, for losses insurance does not fully cover.
- Ask local groups. Counties, the American Red Cross and faith groups sometimes run repair help after big events.
Scams that follow storms
- Anyone claiming to represent FEMA or a relief program who asks for a fee. FEMA does not charge to apply.
- Contractors offering to cover your deductible, which is illegal in Georgia.
- Requests to assign your insurance benefits to a contractor within a year of a declared disaster, which Georgia law bars.
- High-pressure door knockers with no local office or verifiable reviews.
Read how to choose a roofing contractor in Georgia and wind damage to roofs in Georgia.