5 On Your Side: How to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene

If you’ve been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for federal assistance through FEMA. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access the funds and what to expect.

Step 1: Apply for FEMA Assistance

Start by visiting [DisasterAssistance.gov]. This is where you’ll apply for financial relief from FEMA. To complete the application, you’ll need to provide the following information:

– Your home address

– Social Security number

– A list of lost or damaged items

– Banking details

– Insurance information

– Your household income

Step 2: Receive immediate relief

After submitting your form, FEMA will review your application. Within about ten days, you should receive $750 to help cover immediate needs like food, water, and shelter. This amount is yours to keep, regardless of whether you’re eligible for further assistance.

Step 3: Damage assessment and further assistance

Once you receive a message from FEMA confirming your eligibility, a FEMA inspector may visit your home to assess the damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may qualify for up to $42,500 in individual assistance. However, it’s important to note that receiving the full amount is rare.

“Very seldom do you see somebody get the $42,500, you’re going to maybe get a couple thousand,” explained Lisa Sharrard, with Choice Flood Insurance. 

FEMA may offer you a combination of grants and loans. If a loan is part of the package, it will typically be administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). You don’t need to own a business to qualify for an SBA loan; homeowners and renters are eligible.

Assistance for property owners and renters

If you own a second home or rental property in the affected area, you should still file for assistance. While it’s unlikely that you’ll qualify for a grant, you may be eligible for a loan. Renters are also eligible for disaster relief funding and should apply for assistance to cover losses.

Tracking your application

You can track the status of your FEMA application by visiting [DisasterAssistance.gov], using the FEMA helpline, or downloading the FEMA app. Be sure to double-check all of your information before submitting the application—even small errors, like a typo, could delay your funding.