Release Date:
February 3, 2023
Recovery by the Numbers
- FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved over $4.11 million in federal assistance for survivors of Hurricane Ian, which hit South Carolina in Sept. 2022. This includes:
- $2,316,578 in FEMA assistance was approved for individuals and households, including:
- $1,956,260 approved for housing assistance
- $360,318 approved for other disaster-related needs
- $1,796,400 in SBA disaster loans was approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
Key Messages
Stay in Touch With FEMA to Help Speed Your Recovery
- Homeowners and renters are encouraged to stay in contact with FEMA after applying for assistance following Hurricane Ian.
- Survivors of the September storm can contact FEMA to update contact information, including any address changes. FEMA may need to contact you, but missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of your assistance. You will need to notify FEMA when your insurance claim is settled.
Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Jan. 16--21 at The Home Depot in North Myrtle Beach
- Residents repairing and rebuilding following Hurricane Ian can visit The Home Depot in North Myrtle Beach to get tips and advice on making homes stronger and safer against storms and other hazards.
- Jan. 30 – Feb 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; The Home Depot, 2008 Magwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29414
- Feb 6 - 10, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; The Home Depot, 2213 North Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Disaster Assistance
- Free Disaster Legal Assistance. Low-income and vulnerable residents who were affected by Hurricane Ian and who cannot afford their own lawyer may call the toll-free legal hotline at 877-797-2227, Ext. 120, or call the South Carolina line at 803-576-3815 to request assistance. Lines are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
SBA Disaster Loans Help South Carolina Residents Build Back Stronger
- South Carolina residents and business owners whose property suffered damage due to Hurricane Ian from Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 can rebuild stronger by applying for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The disaster loan program includes funding for mitigation to reduce future property damage in a similar disaster. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/mitigation-assistance
- Most applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, to cover the cost of improvements. Mitigation loan funding is in addition to the amount of the approved disaster loan. Even if residents had most of their damages covered by insurance, they can apply for a minimal SBA disaster loan and then apply for low-interest mitigation funding to make improvements to protect their home or business.
How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision
- The most important part of appealing a FEMA determination is knowing your deadlines. You have 60 days from the date FEMA has on the determination letter to send FEMA your appeal.
- It is important to include the documents or information FEMA requests and be sure to include a copy of the FEMA determination letter. FEMA may also request your homeowner’s insurance letters, proof of occupancy documents, proof of ownership documents or contractors’ estimates for home repairs.
- Don’t forget to sign and date your appeal letter and mail it to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
- Or fax it to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
Q: My insurance settlement did not meet all my needs to help me recover from the disaster. Can I apply for additional assistance from FEMA?
A: Yes, you can apply to FEMA for additional assistance. If you received the maximum settlement from your insurance company and still have unmet disaster-related needs, write to FEMA and explain your needs. You will also need to include the settlement documents from your insurance company.