CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) on Saturday announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Individual Assistance disaster relief for Lake County.

"I'm happy to announce that today FEMA approved Individual Assistance disaster relief funds for Lake County. This money will bring relief to individuals and families who have lost homes and property in the fires to help them recover and rebuild,” Thompson said.

"Over the last week, I've worked with FEMA and the White House to make sure federal relief is quickly approved for our community. The approval of this Individual Assistance is the first step on yet another long road to recovery for Lake County, and will be an important resource for those who have lost everything,” he added.

"I'll continue to work with the administration to ensure our district has all the necessary resources we need to get our community back on its feet,” Thompson said.

Individual Assistance is provided by FEMA directly to eligible individuals and families who have sustained losses due to disasters.

Homeowners and renters in designated counties who sustained damage to their primary homes, vehicles and personal property as a result of the recent storms may apply for disaster assistance.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing to include rental and lodging expense, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other serious disaster-related expenses.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, welfare assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) may be available for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. Low-interest disaster loans help fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

Economic Injury disaster loans are available to businesses and private nonprofits to assist with working capital needs as a direct result of the disaster.

Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.