Urgent Reminder for South Carolina Residents to Apply for Hurricane Helene Assistance Before January Deadline

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Urgent Reminder for Hurricane Helene Assistance Applications

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents of South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene to act quickly, as the application deadline for federal assistance is nearing. Homeowners and renters in designated counties have until January 7, 2025, to apply for assistance related to damage and losses incurred from the storm.

Who is Affected?

This assistance applies to individuals located in counties including Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, and numerous others, as well as members of the Catawba Indian Nation. Specifically, residents in the counties of Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York are eligible.

What Aid is Available?

The assistance may cover a wide range of needs stemming from the hurricane’s impact. Residents can apply for aid related to home repairs, temporary housing, and damage to personal property, such as appliances and vehicles. Other relevant expenses like child care, medical bills, moving costs, and funeral expenses due to the storm’s devastation are also eligible for assistance. Additionally, those facing unemployment as a result of the hurricane should reach out to the South Carolina Department of Employment Workforce (SCDEW) for information on support.

When and How to Apply

The application window is open until January 7, 2025. Residents are encouraged to begin their applications as soon as possible to ensure they meet this deadline. For those looking to apply, there are four methods available:

1. Online through the FEMA website
2. By calling the FEMA helpline
3. In-person at designated locations
4. Via mail using a form downloaded from the website

Why is Assistance Necessary?

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, caused widespread devastation across South Carolina, leading to the loss of 46 lives and damaging over 3,500 homes. The combination of fierce winds, severe flooding, and tornadoes left many families struggling to recover their normal lives. Federal assistance is crucial for these residents to rebuild their homes and communities.

Additional Resources

For residents who may need help navigating the application process or understanding their eligibility, several local organizations and disaster relief groups are available to provide assistance and guidance. It is important for all affected individuals to stay informed about the resources available to them during this challenging recovery period.

FEMA’s reminder emphasizes the urgency of the situation and encourages residents to act promptly. Every application counts in securing the necessary support for rebuilding lives and homes devastated by Hurricane Helene.