CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In response to a request from the state of North Carolina, the deadline for Helene survivors to apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been extended to March 8, 2025.
FEMA strongly encourages survivors to apply as soon as possible, despite the extended deadline. Applications must be submitted by March 8, but survivors can continue to submit documents, update contact information, and stay in touch with FEMA regarding their applications after the deadline.
Available aid includes money for temporary housing, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs, and support for the repair or replacement of primary homes, including privately-owned access routes like driveways, roads, or bridges. Additionally, FEMA offers funds for disaster-related expenses, including the repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, as well as costs for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, and other miscellaneous items.
Homeowners and renters in the following counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with uninsured losses from Helene are eligible to apply: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
