How To Apply For FEMA Aid After Helene

If you’ve been affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and you’re applying for FEMA assistance for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the process step by step to help you get started.

How To Apply For FEMA Assistance

There are four main ways to apply for disaster assistance:

-Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply directly.

-By Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET. If you use an accessibility service like video relay or captioned telephone, be sure to provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to your service during the call.

-In Person: Check to see if there are open FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in your area. In-person assistance may be ideal for people needing extra support or for people in places where internet, electricity or cell service is down. To find a DRC near you, click here.

-​Via the FEMA mobile app.

The process of receiving assistance can vary, but the following is a general outlook of what it may look like:

-Determine eligibility

-Create an account on Login.gov

-Gather personal information

-File application

-FEMA reviews

-Check your status in the FEMA app

-Receive payment

What You Need To Apply

To find out if you’re eligible for FEMA assistance online, navigate to DisasterAssistance.gov and click the red “Let’s Get Started” button at the top of the page. You’ll enter some basic information to determine eligibility.

If eligible, you’ll be asked a number of questions. Most of them will be “tip of your tongue” answers; your name or address, for example. But, you may also need to gather some information ahead of time; your social security number and the social security numbers of additional co-applicants, for example.

People With Disabilities

FEMA has resources available to help people with disabilities after a disaster. Specifically, the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination works with local partners to make sure the needs of disaster-stricken communities are met.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are equipped with communication devices that can help people with vision or hearing impairment. The agency also produces many of their seminars or public service announcements with included American Sign Language interpretation.

Additional Tips For Your Application

-When asked for your “damage phone number,” give the number you used at the time of disaster, even if it's no longer working.

-”Personal property” is anything that you own that's not attached to a building structure. That includes clothing, appliances and furniture.

-Be sure to mark “yes” to questions related to medical devices if anyone in your household uses any type of device to help with daily life. This includes walking canes, wheelchairs, a service animal, care attendant, CPAP and more.

-If you don’t understand something when applying online, click “Help for this page” on the top left side of the form.

-Include these four things on any documents uploaded to the internet: Name, last four digits of social security number, FEMA application number and FEMA disaster number.

-​FEMA assistance application resources online and over the phone are available in many languages.

Based in New York, Weather.com reporter Tim Harris is a digital journalist with a broad reporting portfolio that spans environmental science, lifestyle topics and breaking news.