COLUMBIA, S.C. – Survivors of Hurricane Ian in South Carolina who have already applied for disaster assistance are encouraged to let FEMA know about any insurance settlements you receive. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program may cover damage that your insurance does not.
If you’re insured, FEMA will confirm that you have filed a claim with your insurance company. Remember when you file a claim with your insurance agent or company, find out what your policy covers. And be sure to keep papers and receipts for any work you have done to repair your home.
By law, FEMA cannot pay for expenses already covered by insurance or other sources such as crowd funding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies. However, if you filed an insurance claim and have disaster-related needs that still need to be addressed, FEMA may consider you for its Other Needs Assistance program or refer you to a state or community agency that can help.
Hurricane Ian lashed South Carolina Sept. 25 to Oct. 4. Under the president’s major disaster declaration, affected individuals and households in three FEMA-designated counties, Charleston, Georgetown and Horry, are eligible to apply for assistance. If you were among those who had damage or losses to your primary home, the application deadline is Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
Here are some other reminders:
- If your insurance settlement is delayed longer than 30 days, let FEMA know by writing a letter and include proof that you filed a claim. Any assistance FEMA provides would be considered an advance and would have to be repaid once you receive your insurance settlement.
- If you received the maximum settlement from your insurance company and still have unmet disaster-related needs, write to FEMA and explain what your need is. Again, include documentation from the insurance company.
- If you spent the “additional living expense” provided by the insurance company and still need help with finding temporary housing, write to FEMA and explain your need. Attach documentation from the insurance company to prove you used the funds provided. Also include your permanent housing plan.
Here’s how to update FEMA with your current information:
- Log into your account at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- Fax FEMA at 800-827-8112 or send a letter to this address:
- FEMA National Processing Service Center
- P.O. Box 10055
- Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055