Rainfall from April 17 to 30 brought historic flooding to the Cy-Fair area.[/caption]

The deadline to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance for damage inflicted by April storms is July 29.

Residents in 16 counties—including Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties—are eligible for assistance from the storms that occurred from April 17-30.

To apply for assistance, residents must register with FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. People can also seek assistance in person at a disaster recovery center.

Small business owners can fill out the Small Business Administration loan application online. There is no charge or obligation to apply for this loan.

“This really is [the] last chance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William Doran. “FEMA wants to make sure that everybody who is eligible gets disaster assistance.”

Any grants received from FEMA do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and doesn’t affect Social Security or Medicaid eligibility.

In an e-mail to constituents, Texas Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, encouraged all storm victims to register even if they already have insurance.

“FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled,” he said.

For damage incurred between May 26 and June 24, 24 counties are covered by FEMA’s disaster assistance, again including Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. The deadline to apply for damage related to storms in this date range is Aug. 10.