Release Date:
January 6, 2023
Recovery by the Numbers
- FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved $3.56 million in federal assistance for survivors of Hurricane Ian, which hit South Carolina in Sept. 2022. This includes:
- $2,000,705 in FEMA assistance was approved for individuals and households, including:
- $1,685,155 approved for housing assistance
- $315,550 approved for other disaster-related needs
- $1,566,600 in SBA disaster loans was approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
- The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
Key Messages
Registration for FEMA Federal Assistance Closes in One Week
- Homeowners and renters in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who had damage to their property following Hurricane Ian have until Monday, Jan. 23, to apply for federal disaster assistance.
- To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Jan. 10--14 at The Home Depot in Myrtle Beach
- Residents repairing and rebuilding following Hurricane Ian can visit The Home Depot in Myrtle Beach to get tips and advice on making homes stronger and safer against storms and other hazards.
- Jan. 10-14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; The Home Depot, 951 Oak Forest Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Jan. 16-21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; The Home Depot, 620 Hwy. 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
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 Document Home Ownership and Occupancy for FEMA
- As part of the disaster assistance process, FEMA must determine ownership and occupancy of damaged primary residences. FEMA has made it easier for disaster survivors in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who experienced loss from Hurricane Ian to verify ownership and occupancy. fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-document-home-ownership-and-occupancy-fema-0
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.
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