Residents of Georgia who suffered damages from Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene have until February 7, 2025, to apply for federal disaster assistance. This assistance is available to homeowners and renters in 63 counties affected by these storms.
Counties Eligible for Assistance
The following counties are eligible for FEMA assistance:
Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024): Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilkes.
Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4—20, 2024): Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, and Screven.
Types of Assistance Available
FEMA offers various forms of assistance to help residents recover:
Rental Assistance: For those who need to relocate due to storm damage.
Home Repairs: Grants for homeowners to make essential repairs to their primary residence.
Personal Property Replacement: Assistance to replace or repair personal belongings damaged or destroyed by the storms.
Lodging Reimbursement: For individuals who had to stay in hotels temporarily due to displacement.
Other Serious Needs: Coverage for other necessary expenses caused by the storms.
It’s important to note that FEMA does not cover losses already compensated by insurance or other sources, and only one application per household is allowed.
How to Apply
Residents can apply for assistance through several methods:
Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
FEMA App: Download and use the FEMA App on your mobile device.
Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open daily, and assistance is available in multiple languages. If you use a relay service, provide FEMA with your specific number.
In Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find locations and hours, go to fema.gov/drc.
When applying, have the following information ready:
Contact Information: Phone number where you can be reached.
Addresses: The address of the damaged property and your current address.
Social Security Number: For one member of the household.
Damage and Losses: A basic list of damages and losses incurred.
Bank Information: For direct deposit of assistance funds.
Insurance Details: Policy numbers and coverage information if you have insurance.
Additional Assistance
Beyond FEMA grants, other resources are available:
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Provides financial support to individuals who lost their jobs due to the storms. The application deadline is also February 7, 2025. Apply at dol.georgia.gov or call 1-877-709-8185.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Low-Interest Disaster Loans: Available for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or visit a Business Recovery Center.
Important Reminders
Insurance Claims: File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.
Documentation: Keep all receipts and records related to cleanup and repairs.
Application Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by February 7, 2025, to be considered for assistance.
Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.
