One in five Tennesseans affected by May’s flooding is retirement age and beyond, according to new figures from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Of the 64,000 applicants for FEMA assistance, more than 12,000 are over 60.
Agencies are concerned elderly homeowners may need someone to walk them through the paperwork. According to AARP, FEMA agents are in the process of calling each flood victim over 60 to make sure they’re getting the help they need.
Even those who are of able mind may not be of able body. But just because a person is elderly doesn’t mean they’ll get any more money, says FEMA spokesman Nate Custer.
“Really, the inspector doesn’t take into consideration your physical condition, your ability to do self-help and to repair some of the damage on your own.”
Even without special consideration, AARP reports a disproportionately high number of older flood victims is getting the maximum help from FEMA. That’s nearly $30,000.
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