North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper | governor.nc.gov
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper | governor.nc.gov
North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA. This includes homeowners and renters in 25 counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who suffered uninsured damage or losses.
FEMA can provide aid for serious needs such as displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property loss, and other disaster-related expenses. Eligible counties include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania Watauga Wilkes and Yancey.
Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov through the FEMA App or by calling 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET daily. Assistance is available in most languages. Those using relay services should provide their specific contact number to FEMA.
An accessible video on how to apply is available on YouTube under "Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance."
FEMA’s disaster assistance now includes new benefits that offer flexible funding directly to survivors. A simplified process and expanded eligibility allow more North Carolinians access to various forms of aid for significant needs.
Applicants will need:
- A current phone number
- The address at the time of the disaster and the current address
- Social Security number
- A general list of damages and losses
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Insurance policy details if applicable
Those with insurance should file claims promptly since FEMA cannot duplicate benefits covered by insurance policies. Federal assistance may still be available if insurance does not cover all disaster-related expenses.
For updates on North Carolina’s recovery efforts visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
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