FEMA assistance may help homeowners and renters who can’t return to their home because it was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. After a home inspection, you may be eligible for rental assistance. This applies to applicants currently in FEMA-paid hotels and to those who previously received Displacement Assistance.
Displacement Assistance
Displacement Assistance is a one-time payment to help with immediate housing needs. If you have used your Displacement Assistance and you still have housing needs, you can ask for Rental Assistance from FEMA by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
Rental Assistance
Rental Assistance can help owners and renters pay for somewhere to live while repairs are being made or permanent housing is found. Your rental can be a house, apartment or recreational vehicle. The assistance may include utilities such as electricity and water. The initial award for Rental Assistance may cover up to two months of rent. After the initial award, applicants can contact FEMA and request Continued Rental Assistance.
Continued Rental Assistance
To continue to receive rental assistance, you must prove an ongoing need, which may be that suitable housing is not available. If you intend to seek continued rental assistance, you’ll need receipts to show you used the assistance for rent. Survivors should keep receipts for three years.
You may qualify for continued assistance if you:
Demonstrate your disaster-related financial need; and
Show you are developing a longer-term housing plan. A contractor’s estimate of repairs can show progress.
If you were initially approved for rental assistance, an application for continued rental assistance is normally mailed to the rental assistance recipient 15 days after the grant is approved. If you do not receive one, please contact FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting a disaster recovery center. You can find the hours and locations at FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362.
It is important to remain in contact with FEMA about your needs, and to answer calls and other communications from FEMA, including calls originating outside your Area Code.