How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Residents of 13 South Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if they experienced uninsured damage or losses. This assistance can help with urgent needs such as temporary lodging, home repairs, personal property loss, and other disaster-related expenses.

The eligible counties include Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg.

Here’s how to apply for FEMA assistance:

  • Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
  • FEMA App: Download the FEMA app on your mobile device.
  • By Phone: Call 800-621-3362 daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in multiple languages, and services for people with disabilities, such as Video Relay Services (VRS) or captioned telephones, are supported.

To view an accessible video about the application process, visit “Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance” on YouTube.

What You’ll Need to Apply:

  • A current contact phone number
  • The address of the home where you lived during the disaster and your current address
  • Your Social Security number
  • A list of damage and losses
  • Banking information for direct deposit (if preferred)
  • Your insurance policy number and the agent’s or company’s name if you have coverage
  • If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, be sure to file a claim with your insurance provider first. FEMA cannot provide assistance for losses already covered by insurance, but if your policy does not cover all expenses, you may still be eligible for federal help.

    For more information on South Carolina’s recovery efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4829 or follow FEMA on social media:

    Stay informed and apply soon if you need assistance!

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