Claims & Reporting
Disaster Claims, Legal Aid, & Reporting
Paperwork isn’t optional — it’s how money moves. This hub walks you through reporting damage and unmet needs, getting legal and financial claims started, avoiding fraud, and finding reunification resources.
Report Damage & Unmet Needs
To access long-term help (housing, financial, or services), you must document your losses and complete the needs assessment.
Debris programs run on deadlines and eligibility (public safety threats, flood-generated debris, etc.). County and FEMA timelines have shifted since summer. Check the current status with Kerr County and recent media updates before hiring private removal.
Complete the Needs Assessment Survey
The Individual Needs Assessment from the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country initiates the connection to local disaster case managers and the Unmet Needs Working Group. It is required to determine eligibility for long-term assistance. Use the business or nonprofit assessments to connect with organizational support and resources.
Legal & Financial Claims
Navigating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), insurance appeals, and other financial programs can be complex. Connect with resources to streamline recovery efforts.
Legal Aid
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) provides essential Survivor Legal Assistance to residents dealing with disaster-related legal issues, insurance appeals, and tenant/landlord disputes.
- Hotlines: (956) 996-8752 or (833) 329-8752. Select the disaster option when prompted.
- Survivor Legal Assistance Program: Learn about the Survivor Legal Assistance Program. Hours and routing can change — call first.
Loans & Grants
- FEMA – Individuals & Households: Apply for housing, personal property, and resources for other needs at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.
- SBA Disaster Loans for Homeowners, Renters, & Businesses: Loans available for economic injury and physical damage. Submit online via the Small Business Association (SBA) portal. Deadlines vary by declaration — check current dates before submitting an application.
- State & Local Funds: Relief funds or community foundation programs periodically provide financial resources — see Kerr County and Kerr Together for updates.
Fraud Avoidance & Safety
Be vigilant against those who seek to take advantage of disaster survivors. Always verify credentials, secure multiple bids, and never pay for services upfront in cash. Report suspicious contractor behavior or illegal dumping to the appropriate local authorities immediately.
Top Tips
- Verify licenses and insurance, get 2–3 written bids, never pay cash up front, and don’t sign over insurance checks.
- Government won’t charge fees to apply for FEMA support or SBA disaster loans. Verify anyone claiming affiliation.
- Take advantage of Financial Product Reviews on Investopedia.
- Review strategies for avoiding contractor fraud.
Report Scams
- Texas AG Consumer Protection: Call 800-621-0508 to report fraud and review the latest disaster-scam guidance.
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Call the Help Line/Fraud Unit at 800-252-3439 and learn more online.
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) — National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): Call 866-720-5721 or complete the online complaint form.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Report disaster fraud by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
Resources for Missing Persons
The search for those still missing remains active. For inquiries regarding missing persons, contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at (830) 896-1216.
Item Recovery & Restoration
The Found Project helps to reunite people with belongings, coordinate drop-off of found items, and repair & restore home goods.