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FEMA extends Hurricane Helene disaster assistance deadline for North Carolina survivors
Federal leaders have granted North Carolina an extension for
Hurricane Helene disaster survivors to apply for government assistance.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted the
extension until Feb. 6, 2025.
Homeowners and renters in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery,
Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland,
Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln,
Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford,
Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey
counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with uninsured losses from
Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.
There are several ways to apply:
- Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to midnight EST. 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.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to 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
More resources are available on FEMA’s website.
Related: How to apply for FEMA assistance after Helene
Helene is blamed for the deaths of more than 100 people in North Carolina.
The deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has
also been extended. You may be eligible if you:
- Lived, worked or were scheduled to work in one of the counties listed above.
- Lost employment or had your job interrupted as a result of Helene and,
- You have exhausted or are ineligible for state unemployment benefits.
- You are out of work (including self-employed or business owners) as a result of Helene.