With the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene on North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster declaration for our states. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is capable of providing Individual Assistance to individuals in these disaster areas who have been negatively affected by the storm. However, the time to request assistance is limited and individuals are advised to apply for assistance prior to November 25th, 2024.
At King Law Offices, PC, we want to publicly provide information to our community on how you can apply for assistance as we wish for our communities to recover as quickly as possible.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any United States citizens who primarily reside in a disaster-designated home that are not able to fully recover from another source, such as insurance or other programs. Pursuant to DR-4827-NC, North Carolina citizens are who are in the following counties or tribal lands are eligible for financial and direct services through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program:
Alexander County | Alleghany County | Ashe County |
Avery County | Buncombe County | Burke County |
Caldwell County | Catawba County | Clay County |
Cleveland County | Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina | Gaston County |
Haywood County | Henderson County | Jackson County |
Lincoln County | Macon County | Madison County |
McDowell County | Mitchell County | Polk County |
Rutherford County | Transylvania County | Watauga County |
Wilkes County | Yancey County |
What Does FEMA Assistance Provide?
Disaster assistance includes:
- Essential Items such as food, water, baby supplies, medication and other emergency supplies.
- Displacement Assistance such as hotel expenses, expenses with family or friends, or other expenses used for lodging.
- Hazard Mitigation Assistance to allow homeowners to repair and rebuild durable homes.
- Unemployment Assistance
- Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.
HOW TO APPLY?
There are three ways to apply:
- Online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- By Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
- By Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (However, according to the FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center Locator, there are no sites in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina at this time).
WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED?
- Personal Information:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Contact information (phone number, email, mailing address)
- Disaster-Related Information:
- Date of the disaster: Hurricane Helene affected North Carolina from September 25th to current.
- Address of the damaged property
- Description of the disaster-related damage (photographs, videos if available)
- Insurance Information (if applicable):
- Insurance policy number
- Name of insurance company and agent
- Details on what is covered (homeowners, renters, flood, etc.)
- Any documentation from your Insurance Company concerning a determination of what is covered and what is not covered. FEMA WILL NOT PAY FOR LOSSES YOUR INSURANCE WILL PAY FOR.
- Household Information:
- Number of people living in the household
- Household annual income (proof such as W-2s or tax returns)
- Details about primary residence status (owner, renter, etc.)
- Banking Information:
- Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of FEMA funds
- Identification Documents:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Proof of ownership or occupancy (property deed, lease agreement, utility bills)
- Additional Documentation:
- Receipts for repairs already made
- Temporary housing arrangements (if relocated)
- Steps for Application:
- Apply online at FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Website or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.
- Complete and submit the application.
- Schedule a home inspection if requested.
- Post-Application:
- Follow up on application status through the online FEMA account or by phone.
- Submit any additional documents requested by FEMA.
IS THERE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE?
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may be available. To qualify for DUA, you must meet both of these conditions:
- Your job was lost or disrupted due to a presidentially declared disaster.
- You are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits:
- North Carolina Unemployment: https://www.des.nc.gov/individuals/apply-ui
- United States Unemployment: https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits
You may qualify if you lived, worked, or were scheduled to work in the disaster area and meet any of the following:
- You lost your job or workplace.
- You can’t access your job site.
- Your workplace is damaged and you can’t work.
- A new job offer was canceled due to the disaster.
- You are injured and unable to work.
- You became the primary household supporter due to a disaster-related death.
You must be available and able to work unless:
- You are injured from the disaster, or
- You are working to return to self-employment.
WHAT TO DO AFTER FILING?
If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurer when applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot cover losses already insured, but may help with unmet needs if your insurance falls short or is delayed.
If your primary residence is damaged and unlivable, FEMA may schedule a home inspection. You’ll receive a letter or electronic notice explaining your eligibility, assistance amount, use of funds, and how to appeal.
FEMA assistance is limited to essential repairs to make your home safe and livable. It’s not a replacement for insurance. You may also be referred to the SBA for low-interest disaster loans to aid in recovery.