As part of the disaster assistance process done by FEMA, proper documentation for both ownership and occupancy of damaged residences is needed.
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While the term documentation can feel very broad, FEMA has made it as easy as possible for Georgia residents who have dealt with damages from Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene to get the assistance they need.
For Tropical Storm Debby, damages had to have occurred from August 4-20, 2024. For Hurricane Helene, damages had to have occurred from September 24 to October 30, 2025.
In terms of home ownership, FEMA accepts the following:
- The original deed or deed of trust to the property
- A mortgage statement or escrow analysis
- Property tax receipt or property tax bill
- Manufactured home certificate or title
- A public official’s letter or receipts for major repairs or improvements.
- The public official’s statement (e.g., police chief, mayor, postmaster) must include the name of the applicant, the address of the disaster-damaged residence, the period of occupation, and the name and telephone number of the official verifying.
- Survivors with heirship properties, mobile homes or travel trailers who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership may self-certify ownership as a last resort.
- Homeowners with the same address from a previous disaster only need to verify ownership one time.
- FEMA has also expanded the date of eligible documents from three months to one year before the disaster.
In terms of home occupancy, FEMA accepts the following:
- Utility bills, bank or credit card statements, phone bills, etc.
- Employer’s statement
- Written lease agreement
- Rent receipts
- Public official’s statement
- FEMA will accept motor vehicle registration, letters from local schools (public or private), federal or state benefit providers, social service organizations, or court documents.
- Applicants can also use a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner, or self-certification for a mobile home or travel trailer as a last resort.
- If survivors have successfully verified occupancy to FEMA from a previous disaster within two years, they do not need to do it again.
For the latest information regarding FEMA’s recovery work in Georgia, click HERE.
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