FEMA Provides Continued Rental Assistance

Some residents of Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who have received initial FEMA rental assistance because of damage to their homes and property from Hurricane Ian could be eligible for continued rental assistance.

• FEMA will contact eligible residents who may qualify for continued rental assistance while you seek permanent housing. You would need to demonstrate your storm-related financial need and show you are developing a long-term or permanent housing plan.

How You Can Receive Continued Rental Assistance

• Fifteen days after receiving your initial rental assistance grant, FEMA will mail you an “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.” You must complete the form and document your need for continued rental assistance by providing all of the following:
  • A copy of your current lease
  • Receipts showing the proper use of federal disaster housing assistance
  • Your current household income
  • Any household financial obligations you may have
• Sign the application and mail it, along with your supporting documents, to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. You may also fax them to 800-821-8112.
• If the original documents were destroyed during the hurricane or you cannot gain entry to your home to find the documents, you may have other options. Duplicates of official documents may be available through your municipal government, utility company or bank.
• If you have created an account at DisasterAssistance.gov, you may upload documents to the Upload Center in your online account.
• If you did not receive the “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance” or you have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Extensions on rental assistance may be granted for three-month periods, for up to 18 months from the Nov. 21, 2022, presidential disaster declaration for South Carolina. Keeping FEMA updated with your contact information and housing status is important.
• Continued rental assistance covers rent, security deposit and essential utilities such as electricity and water. It does not cover cable or internet.
• The approved rental amount is based on fair market rates for your area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• You have until Monday, Jan. 23, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Go to  DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
  • For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.