In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene hitting North Carolina two weeks ago, assistance is being provided to those impacted by the devastation. Federal aid programs remain accessible to aid in the rebuilding process for affected individuals and families. These programs, which include Disaster Assistance for Homeowners, Unemployment Assistance, Flood Insurance Claims, and Small Business Disaster Loans, aim to support the community in their recovery efforts.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis highlights the importance of sustained federal assistance for long-term recovery, particularly in Western North Carolina, emphasizing the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure in the months and years ahead. Tax relief measures have also been implemented, offering extensions to affected taxpayers until May 1st, 2025, for filing tax returns and making payments.
FEMA’s Disaster Assistance for Homeowners provides essential support to eligible applicants by covering temporary living arrangements, home repairs, and other essential needs not covered by insurance. The assistance is focused on primary residences or properties where individuals reside for over six months annually. Individuals can apply for assistance through disasterassistance.gov or by contacting FEMA at 800-621-3362.
Residents in designated counties can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if they lost their jobs directly due to Hurricane Helene. This assistance is also available to business owners and self-employed individuals who have been impacted. Applications can be submitted at des.nc.gov, with the deadline for submission set for December 2, 2024.
For individuals whose homes experienced flood damage, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers support to aid in recovery. NFIP policyholders can initiate their flood claims process by contacting NFIP directly for guidance and assistance.
Small businesses and residents residing in declared disaster areas are eligible to apply for Disaster Loans to facilitate community recovery and reconstruction efforts. The application process can be completed online through sba.gov/hurricane-helene, with additional support available via phone at 800-659-2955 or email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Taxpayers in affected regions have been granted an extension until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make necessary payments. This extension encompasses returns typically due in March and April 2025, along with specified individual and corporate returns from previous years.
(Acknowledgement of Public Services provided: Disaster assistance, FEMA, Flood Insurance Claims, Small Business assistance, and Tax Deadline extensions in Western North Carolina)
