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Writer's pictureRepresentative Destin Hall

How To Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Homeowners and renters in 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who suffered uninsured damage or losses due to Hurricane Helene may qualify for disaster assistance from FEMA.


FEMA may offer assistance for urgent needs, displacement, temporary housing, fundamental home repairs, loss of personal property, and other needs caused by the disaster. Homeowners and renters in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey counties, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are eligible to apply.


There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.


FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows North Carolinians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.


What You’ll Need When You Apply:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted.

  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.

  • Your Social Security number.

  • A general list of damage and losses.

  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.

  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.


Helpful Tips:

1. One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoiled), Shelter (you are staying with friends/family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in you receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.


2. When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer "NO" if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.


3. When asked if utilities are out, say "YES" even if your utilities were out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.


4. When asked “Are you willing to relocate?” say "YES" if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.


5. If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.***


If you or anyone you know needs help with applying for FEMA disaster relief, please call us at 919-733-5931 or email us at destin.hall@ncleg.gov.


*** Source: N.C. Department of Insurance https://www.facebook.com/share/p/FMLwpt1sngav2R8v/



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