The severity of damage and impact from Hurricane Helene has been felt throughout a large swath of the southeastern United States. If you live in one of those areas that dealt with the brunt of the storm, we hope you and your family have made it through safely. If you had an unexpected expense or hardship as a result of the storm, we have payment programs that may be able to assist you. Thank you for being a Carolina Finance customer.
The information and services listed below are NOT provided by Carolina Finance. Please contact the relevant agencies if you would like more information or require assistance.
American Red Cross – 1-800-733-2767 FEMA – 1-800-621-3362 www.DisasterAssistance.gov usa.gov/hurricane-helene. - Learn how the U.S. government is responding to Hurricane Helene. Find resources to help you recover from the disaster.
North Carolina North Carolina Department of Public Safety www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene NC Emergency Management Assistance – (919) 825-2378 NC Disaster Unemployment Assistance - www.des.nc.gov (Deadline to apply is 12/2/24) South Carolina https://dew.sc.gov/news/2024-09/disaster-unemployment-assistance-available-thirteen-counties-affected-hurricane-helene Georgia https://dol.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-10-01/federal-disaster-unemployment-assistance-dua-approved-eleven-georgia Tennesse https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene.html The regional disaster relief hotline number of 423-830-2696 also will be available for those who need assistance to call starting Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m.
FEMA has declared Individual Assistance (IA) for Hurricane Helene. What does this mean for you? It means that you can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA to help offset your disaster-related expenses. You can apply online athttps://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by telephone at (800) 621-3362. Otherwise, you can download the FEMA weather app from Google PlayStore or the Apple Store and you can apply for assistance on the app and upload receipts. Whichever method you choose, the form has a few questions that are tricky. To avoid delay, please follow the following tips: 1. One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750. 2. When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer "NO" if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends. 3. When asked if utilities are out, say "YES" even if your utilities were out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator. 4. When asked “Are you willing to relocate” say "YES" if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently. 5. If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.
Social Security Number: For the primary applicant Contact information: Phone number ad address at the time of impact and for the applicants current location Insurance details: Homeowner, renter or vehicle insurance information, including policy numbers and coverage specifics Damage description: A summary of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to your home, property or belongings Proof of residency: Documentation showing you lived in the affected area, such as a utility bill or lease agreement Annual household income: The total income for all household members before the storm Banking information: For direct deposit of any disaster assistance funds (optional but recommended)
