The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 28! Arkansans affected by the May 24 through 27 severe weather and tornadoes who live in Baxter, Benton, Boone, or Marion counties may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Disaster assistance may help pay for rent, home repair or replacement and many other disaster-related needs. For more information, visit the FEMA Individual Assistance page.
If you are a customer impacted by severe weather and tornadoes on May 26, you may have received a check (or multiple checks) from your insurance company that is payable to Arvest Mortgage or Arvest Bank and the borrower. We have important insurance claims procedures for those who have their home financed through Arvest Mortgage (payments made out to Arvest Mortgage) or have a real estate-secured loan with Arvest Bank (payments made out to Arvest Bank).
Visit our Insurance Claims Information page to learn more.
Tips to avoid scams.
Scammers are known to take advantage of storm victims during the recovery and rebuilding process. Here are some ways to avoid a scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission:
- Know that FEMA does not charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA or other disaster aid, it’s a scam.
- Don’t rely on a contractor to tell you what’s covered by insurance. Verify your insurance coverage yourself. Never sign your insurance check over to a contractor.
- Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs, especially if they want cash up front.
- Check out contractors before you commit to anything by searching for online reviews, confirming their license and insurance, and checking with the local home builder’s association to see if there are complaints against them.
- Get a written contract and read it carefully.
For more tips, visit the FTC website.
Original article published May 28
Arvest is ready to assist customers recently impacted by severe weather and tornadoes that took place across Arkansas on May 26. As a result of a major disaster declaration made on May 30, 2024, we are able to offer individuals, homeowners, nonprofits and businesses located in a “Primary County” disaster area with the following disaster-recovery financial assistance options:
Low-interest rate disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are available for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters in a declared disaster area. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. For additional information and to apply, visit sba.gov/disaster.
Commercial Banking customer support.
Arvest commercial banking customers in need of assistance should contact their local banker.
Mortgage, credit cards and consumer loan payment arrangements.
Arvest customers impacted by the storms are encouraged to contact us to explore options around payment arrangements.
- For Mortgage, click here to contact us or call us at (800) 366-2132, ext. 5609. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CT. Learn more about homeowner assistance options by visiting our Resource Center online.
- For Credit Cards, contact us at (800) 637-3055 to discuss payment options and general assistance. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT.
- For Consumer Loans, contact us at (855) 267-1303, option 2. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT.
Treasury Management customer support.
For Arvest treasury management customers who can’t get online to make decisions in Cash Manager on “exception items,” please contact our Treasury Management Customer Services team at (877) 849-2274 for assistance.
USDA disaster assistance available to farmers and livestock producers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers disaster assistance to help farmers and livestock producers recover from adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local
USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages.
FEMA disaster assistance for individuals.
FEMA provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster in a declared area. Learn more and apply online at disasterassistance.gov.
Determine ways to receive mail, if needed.
If customers aren’t able to return home, it’s important to contact the U.S. Postal Service to have your mail held or forwarded. Click here to learn more from USPS on receiving your mail while waiting for your residence to be repaired or rebuilt.