South Raleigh News

FEMA has approved a 30-day extension for disaster survivors in North Carolina to apply for individual assistance, as requested by Governor Josh Stein. The new deadline is set for April 7, 2025. Governor Stein expressed gratitude towards FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting the extension and acknowledged the support from North Carolina's Congressional delegation.

"Thank you to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting North Carolina’s request to extend the individual assistance program and to our Congressional delegation for its support," stated Governor Stein. He also encouraged residents affected by Tropical Storm Helene in western North Carolina to apply for FEMA funding.

The governor emphasized ongoing efforts to secure more federal funding, stating, "We continue to seek adequate funding from Congress and the General Assembly for the ongoing recovery efforts. The people of western North Carolina need more federal support to build back stronger."

Eligible applicants include homeowners and renters in various counties such as Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell among others. This also includes members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who suffered uninsured losses due to Tropical Storm Helene.

Governor Stein previously requested an additional $19 billion in federal funds aimed at infrastructure restoration and home repair initiatives. He invited state residents to participate in finalizing an Action Plan related to a $1.4 billion grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Survivors can apply through several channels: visiting a local Disaster Recovery Center (locations available at fema.gov/drc), calling FEMA's hotline at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 am and midnight or online at disasterassistance.gov.

Those with insurance are advised to file claims before applying for FEMA aid but do not need settlement completion beforehand. Appeals against denied applications can be made through similar channels or via Legal Aid NC's website.

For further assistance or resources during recovery efforts, survivors may contact the North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program (NC-DCM) at 1-844-746-2326 or visit ncdps.gov/Helene/dcm. The program has been active since December handling over 2,700 cases with access to more than 500 resources and partnerships designed to aid individual recovery needs.