FEMA has extended the deadline for North Carolina disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance to February 6, 2025. Homeowners and renters in the affected 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Tropical Storm Helene may qualify. Those counties include Mitchell and Yancey.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (find locations at fema.gov/drc).
- Call 1-800-621-3362 (7 a.m. – midnight).
- Go online to disasterassistance.gov.
- File insurance claims first but don’t wait for a settlement to apply for FEMA assistance.
- If denied, appeals can be submitted via the above methods or through Legal Aid NC.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
The DUA deadline is extended for individuals who:
- Lived or worked in affected counties,
- Lost jobs due to Helene,
- Are ineligible for state unemployment benefits.
Apply online at des.nc.gov or call 888-737-0258. DUA covers unemployment from Sept. 29, 2024 – March 29, 2025. Weekly certifications are required.
SBA Disaster Loans
Low-interest loans are available for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters to cover repair and rebuilding costs.
- Contact the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or visit sba.gov/disaster-assistance.
Applicants ineligible for SBA loans may be referred back to FEMA for additional aid.
