Federal Assistance programs are available for Western North Carolinians
Help is on the way for North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) —Help is on the way for North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago. If you or your loved ones were affected by the destruction, federal assistance programs are still available to help with your rebuilding process.
Programs such as Disaster Assistance for Homeowners, Unemployment Assistance, Flood Insurance Claims, and Small Business Disaster Loans are available.
According to North Carolina’s senator Thom Tillis, this long-term federal assistance will be the key to Western North Carolina’s recovery over the coming months and years to rebuild homes and infrastructure.
The programs are also offering extensions for taxpayers. Taxpayers in those affected areas have until May 1st, 2025 to file tax returns and make tax payments.
Disaster Assistance for Homeowners
FEMA can assist eligible applicants with serious needs. This includes paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs, and other needs not covered by insurance. The assistance is limited to primary homes only, or the place you live in for more than six months of the year. FEMA cannot assist with damage already covered by insurance.
Apply by visiting disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Residents of counties approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) are eligible for benefits if they lost their jobs as a direct result of Hurricane Helene. Business owners and self-employed individuals may also qualify for benefits.
To file a DUA application, please visit des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024.
Flood Insurance Claims
If your home received a few inches of flood water or a few feet, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help you recover. If you’re an NFIP policyholder, follow the steps below to begin filing your flood claim.
Need help finding your insurance agents? Call the NFIP at 1-877-336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim to begin your claim.
Small Business Disaster Loans
Businesses and residents in declared disaster areas can now apply for a Disaster loan to help communities recover and rebuild.
Apply online by visiting sba.gov/hurricane-helene
For more help: Call: 800‐659‐2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
IRS Tax Deadline
Taxpayers in affected areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Among other things, this includes 2024 individual and business returns normally due during March and April 2025, 2023 individual and corporate returns with valid extensions, and quarterly estimated tax payments.
