Disaster Legal Services
Flood and tornado survivors facing denied FEMA claims, landlord-tenant disputes, lost documents, contractor scams, or other disaster-related legal issues can call AppalReD’s Disaster Intake Hotline at 1-844-478-0099 to apply for free legal assistance. Survivors can also visit an AppalReD office, connect with staff at Disaster Recovery Centers, or leave a message for a Disaster Response Team member to return their call.
AppalReD Legal Aid’s Disaster Response Team consists of two attorneys and two paralegals. The team was formed in response to the July 2022 floods that devastated much of Eastern Kentucky. After the floods, the team assisted hundreds of clients with appeals to FEMA to obtain additional financial assistance for the repair or replacement of homes, vehicles, and other personal property. The team also assisted clients with many other types of civil legal issues.
If a disaster strikes in Eastern Kentucky, AppalReD will be there to assist low-income individuals and families with their legal needs every step of the way. Please visit our “Disaster 101” page for information on how you and your family can prepare for different types of disasters that may affect our region.
Practice Areas
AppalReD’s Disaster Response Team can assist with the following civil legal matters that disaster survivors may face:
- FEMA financial assistance appeals (asking FEMA to reconsider your application or to give you additional assistance)
- Small Business Administration (SBA) loan denial appeals
- Disaster unemployment and disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits
- Insurance claims
- Contractor fraud and other scams
- Utility issues with regulated and municipal utility companies
- Landlord-tenant issues
- Foreclosures and other homeowner issues
- Drafting estate planning documents such as wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and funeral planning declarations
- Accommodations for those with disabilities
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Obtaining copies of lost or destroyed vital statistics documents and identification.
For more information regarding these topics, please visit our “Disaster 101” page.
While AppalReD can assist with certain civil legal matters and expungements, AppalReD cannot provide defense counsel for active criminal cases. If you are facing a criminal charge and cannot afford an attorney, contact your local Circuit Court Clerk for information about the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy.
Who We Can Help
AppalReD Legal Aid serves low-income Kentuckians. Your eligibility will be based on your income and size of your household. There are some special circumstances in which we can assist you regardless of income. To determine your eligibility, you will be asked questions about your income and any special circumstances that may make you eligible when you apply for our services.
How to Apply For Help
There are two ways to request help.
- Call our Disaster Intake Hotline at 1-844-478-0099 if you have been affected by a recent natural disaster.
- Complete an online application by clicking here. If you are a disaster survivor, please mention this in your application.
