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Impacted by Hurricane Helene? Here's how to apply for FEMA Assistance

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Published  September 29, 2024 4:50pm EDT
Hurricane Helene
FOX 35 Orlando

Governor DeSantis held press conference in Delke Beach

Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Delke Beach Saturday morning in regards to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

ORLANDO, Fla. - President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Florida after Hurricane Helene slammed the state, allowing federal funding to help those impacted by the storm.

Florida homeowners and renters impacted by Hurricane Helene may be able to apply for FEMA assistance (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to help cover uninsured damage or losses.

Here's who may be eligible for FEMA assistance, what assistance is available, what's potentially covered, and how to apply.

Who is eligible for FEMA assistance?

Homeowners and renters in 17 Florida counties may be able to apply for FEMA assistance: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla.

Click here to check eligibility.

What does FEMA cover?

FEMA assistance may be able to help cover:

  • Serious Needs Assistance. Money to help you pay for essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies.
  • Displacement Assistance. Money to help with housing needs. If you cannot return to your home because of the disaster, this money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit.
  • Other eligible expenses. This includes expenses from things like rental assistance, basic home repairs and property losses.

Source: FEMA.gov

How to apply for FEMA assistance

There are three ways people can apply:

What information do I 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

What if I have insurance?

If you have insurance, such as flood, auto, homeowners, or renters, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately, according to FEMA's website.

FEMA assistance cannot help with losses covered by insurance. 

You do not need to file a claim with your insurance before applying for FEMA assistance, but FEMA will need proof of an insurance settlement or denial to be considered for other help.

Click here for a step-by-step guide on how FEMA assistance and the application process works.

What if I applied for FEMA help during Hurricane Debby? Can I apply again?

Yes, but you need to fill out another application, FEMA said. You will also need to provide the dates for the most recent damage.