Press Releases

Last night, President Joe Biden approved an amendment to his major disaster declaration to include Ventura County, a change pushed by Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) over the past few weeks in the aftermath of heavy storms and flooding across the Central Coast.

President Biden’s approval of individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allows Ventura County residents and business owners to apply directly for aid that can help cover the costs of home repairs, rent and temporary lodging, unemployment and child care expenses, and other incidentals related to the flood and storm damage.

“For weeks, I have been urging President Biden and FEMA not to forget the Ventura County residents who were impacted by last month’s heavy storms and flooding, and to approve disaster aid that would grant individuals the ability to apply directly for the aid they need to get back on their feet. I’m glad that they’ve listened and approved this much-needed assistance for Ventura and the rest of the Central Coast,” said Congressman Carbajal. “I’ve seen firsthand the devastation in all three counties that I represent, and have encouraged all that I’ve met to file FEMA claims as soon as possible to get a helping hand. I encourage anyone affected by floods and stormwater in our region to go to DisasterAssistance.gov to learn more about filing a claim.”

Congressman Carbajal publicly and privately lobbied the Biden Administration to approve a major disaster declaration for the portions of the Central Coast that he represents: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Residents of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are already eligible to apply thanks to an earlier declaration by President Biden.

Disaster-related assistance provided by FEMA can include:

1.    Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable;

2.    Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items;

3.    Unemployment payments for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for state benefits (self-employed);

4.    Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance;

5.    Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; or

6.    Advisory assistance for legal veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans may also be available to individuals and businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies.

Individuals living in all three counties can find more information in English and Spanish on Rep. Carbajal’s resource page: Carbajal.House.Gov/Storm.

Claims can be started at DisasterAssistance.gov.