Disaster Legal Aid

Disaster Legal Services Hotline Open—Pro Bono Attorneys Urgently Needed

Winter weather is tough for everyone, but it can be especially hard for families with low incomes. 

  HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - The flood last July left thousands of people without a home or with one that needed severe repairs, and because of the level of disaster, FEMA applications were available for flood survivors. Which meant Eastern Kentuckians were eligible to receive up to $37,900 in federal funding to help.

As the year anniversary of the devastating flooding of July 2022 nears, there are two more opportunities to connect with resources and lend your voice to the community action planning process. A meeting with be held on July 26 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Langley, KY. The next day a meeting with be hosted in Virgie from 5:30-7:30 pm. Please contact shambrick@sbpusa.org with any questions. The hotline for flood survivors to connect with legal assistance remains live. Anyone with legal needs can call 1-844-478-0099. 

​​​Following natural disasters, scammers often attempt to take advantage of victims. The Kentucky Attorney General's website has more information detailing some of the most common natural disaster scams as well as tips to avoid becoming a victim of natural disaster fraud. Common scams following a natural disaster include price gouging, construction and repair scams, identity theft, impersonation of relief agencies or FEMA, and loan scams.

Only estimate storm-related damages. Do NOT estimate deferred maintenance. Only estimate repairs to bring home to safe, sanitary, and livable condition. Estimate should NOT include repairs that bring the home to its pre-storm condition. Quote standard replacement items such as floor covering, walls/ceilings, fixtures, and appliances. List all line items with measurements, materials, labor, and work type (Ex. “Demo only”, “R&R”).

The following is an overview of factors and documentation taken into consideration for vehicle claims. File a claim with your insurance company.  Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a car. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.

HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - The Kentucky River Area Development District is hosting meetings starting Thursday regarding flood recovery in Breathitt, Knott, Letcher and Perry Counties. KRADD Executive Director Michelle Allen said they want to hear from people directly impacted by the flood. “We want to hear all of the needs of the community because there may be things out there that organizations like us or even local governments do not realize people still need,” she said.

The hotline for legal help for Kentucky flood survivors is still active with no plans to shut down. You may call 1-844-478-0099.  We can help with: FEMA Appeals Unemployment Insurance SNAP Benefits Medicaid/Medicare Replacement IDS and Birth Certificates Replacement EBT/Direct Express/WIC Cards Insurance Denials Scams and Fraud Housing (Homeowners and Renters) Connecting to other Community Resources