ADVICE ON FEMA APPLICATIONS 

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Here’s a message on initial FEMA applications shared by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Jacksonville State University’s Associate Professor of Emergency Management, Dr. Laura Olson.

FEMA has declared Individual Assistance (IA) for Hurricane Helene/Milton. What does this mean for you? This means you can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA to offset disaster-related expenses.  You can apply by telephone at (800) 621-3362 or  https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. Otherwise, you can download the FEMA weather app from Google PlayStore or the Apple Store, apply for assistance with the app, and upload receipts. 

Whichever method you choose, the form has a few questions that are hard to understand. To avoid delay, please follow the following tips:

1.     One of the questions FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or after staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family, or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (i.e., oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, hearing aids, other medical equipment). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. It can trigger Survivor Needs Assistance.

2.      When asked if your home/apartment is/was accessible, answer "NO" if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage, or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question asks whether you can stay at your home or apartment, which can trigger the ability to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.

3.      When asked if utilities are out, say "YES" if they have been out for a few days to weeks. This can trigger assistance to stay somewhere other than your home or apartment or to buy fuel to power a generator.

4.       When asked, “Are you willing to relocate?” say "YES" if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you can stay in a hotel or somewhere else temporarily. It does not ask if you will permanently move away from your home/apartment or hometown.

5.      If you purchase a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Save your receipts.

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FEMA Application Deadline November 27

Wednesday, November 27 is the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Everyone should apply to see if they are eligible for assistance. Legal Aid of NC and Pisgah Legal offer disaster legal services programs to assist with applications and appeals to FEMA, for homeowners and rentals dealing with damage and displacement, and for fraud support.