COLUMBIA, S.C. – Homeowners and renters in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who had damage to their property after Hurricane Ian have until Monday, Jan. 23, to apply for federal disaster assistance.
FEMA assistance may help you with grants for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. You should file a claim with your homeowner's insurance before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, you may receive assistance for losses if uninsured or underinsured.
Even if you applied with another agency or organization, you must register with FEMA to access federal disaster grants and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) long-term, low-interest disaster loans.
To register for assistance:
- Go to DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. 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.
- For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw
Submitting an SBA loan application is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of FEMA disaster assistance.
To apply for an SBA loan:
- Use SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/
- Request a paper application to apply by U.S. mail by calling SBA’s customer service line at 800-659-2955
- You may also email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 for application assistance and for more information on the SBA disaster assistance program. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.
The SBA deadline for homeowners and renters who had property damage from Ian to return loan applications is Friday, Jan. 20.