FEMA reminds South Carolinians who have received federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep receipts for three years.
Disaster assistance is intended to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs. A letter explaining what the payment can be used for arrives within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.
If applicants spend the payment on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, they may be denied future disaster assistance. In some cases, FEMA may ask that the money be returned.
Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts for their disaster spending for three years to document that the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If recipients receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, they must reimburse FEMA. Audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.
If you have questions about what’s eligible, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find the nearest center, visit fema.gov/DRC or text “DRC” along with your Zip Code to 43362.
How To Apply
If you have not applied for FEMA assistance yet, there is still time to submit your application. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.
You can apply in several ways: go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App, visit any Disaster Recovery Center or call 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.
FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.