Beaufort Residents Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene
Hey there, Beaufort! If you’ve been feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there’s some important news that you’ll want to hear. Homeowners and renters in Beaufort County who experienced any uninsured damage or losses due to the hurricane are now eligible to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance, as announced in a recent news release on October 11.
What Type of Help is Available?
So, what does this assistance really mean for you? According to the FEMA announcement, they could lend a helping hand with serious needs such as temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss, and other needs that might have arisen due to the disaster. It’s comforting to know there’s support out there!
Counting Beaufort County Among Many
Beaufort County is now alongside a group of other counties like Fairfield, Abbeville, Aiken, and many more, who are also authorized for assistance. In total, there are over twenty counties, including tribal members of the Catawba Indian Nation, that have been recognized for federal aid to households affected by Hurricane Helene.
How to Apply for Assistance
Now, if you’re wondering how to get started on this process, here’s the good news: applying for FEMA assistance is pretty straightforward. You have several options to choose from:
- Online: Head over to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- FEMA App: If you prefer using your smartphone, download the FEMA App.
- Phone: Give them a call at 800-621-3362. If you’re using services like Video Relay Service (VRS) or a captioned telephone, make sure to provide FEMA with your service number.
- In person: You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find the locations and hours, just go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” along with your Zip Code to 43362.
What to Bring When You Apply
Before you jump into the application process, there are a few things you’ll need to gather. Make sure you have:
- Your current phone number where you can be reached.
- The address you were living at during the disaster, and where you’re currently staying.
- Your Social Security number.
- A general list of the damages and losses you incurred.
- Your banking information if you want to opt for direct deposit.
- If you have insurance, the policy number or your agent’s name and the company name.
If You Have Insurance
If you happen to have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, it’s critical that you file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA has pointed out that they cannot duplicate benefits for losses that your insurance covers. However, if your insurance doesn’t cover all of your disaster-related expenses, you might still be eligible for federal assistance.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on South Carolina’s recovery journey following Hurricane Helene, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on resources available at fema.gov/disaster/4829. You can also follow FEMA on social media for real-time information.
In tough times like these, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. With the resources available, navigating this situation can be a bit easier. Stay safe, Beaufort!
