SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - Hendry County residents are now eligible for individual assistance from FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency. But where do you start? FEMA's website says it's a three step process.

Step 1:
Before you apply find out if you qualify. In Southwest Florida, you qualify only if you live in Hendry County and don't have enough insurance to cover the damage.

What do you need to apply?
- Your Social Security number
- Current and pre-disaster address
- A telephone number where you can be contacted
- Insurance information
- Total household annual income
- A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account)
- A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster

You may wonder, what is covered? There is a long list. Most importantly, housing needs, clothing, essentials, furniture and even some services like counseling and free legal help.

Step 2:
Apply for assistance. You can do it online at www.fema.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA.

Step 3:
After you apply, you're ready for step three. You can check the status of your application 24 hours after it is submitted. FEMA will mail you a copy and an inspector will contact you. If you are denied, FEMA provides a reason.

For now, only Hendry County residents are eligible for this type of help from FEMA. Other flood victims will have to rely on county government and non-profit organizations for help.

Stay tuned to WINK News to find out if your county will be added to the list of counties eligible for individual assistance.

If you have more questions, check out the FAQ section on FEMA's website: www.fema.gov