Release Date:
February 17, 2023
Recovery by the Numbers
- FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved $4.37 million in federal assistance for survivors of Hurricane Ian, which hit South Carolina in Sept. 2022. This includes:
- $2,464,683 in FEMA assistance was approved for individuals and households, including:
- $2,087,443 approved for housing assistance
- $377,240 approved for other disaster-related needs
- $1,912,000 in SBA disaster loans was approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
- The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance was Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
Key Messages
An Online Account Will Keep You in Contact With FEMA
- Disaster survivors who have applied for FEMA assistance are encouraged to create an online account to stay connected to FEMA throughout the registration process. Creating an online account on DisasterAssistance.gov provides quicker access to pertinent FEMA information and support, regardless of holidays, regular business hours or personnel availability.
- FEMA is committed to ensuring that each survivor’s recovery process continues to move forward. Therefore, applicants with online accounts can:
- Check the status of the application and inspection.
- Update personal information, such as current mailing address and phone number.
- Securely view correspondence from FEMA.
- Upload important documents such as an insurance denial or settlement letter, proof of ownership of the damaged property and proof that the property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.
- Access a 24/7 FEMA Internet Helpdesk to resolve account issues.
- Have the ability to request an inspection under certain circumstances. It’s important to understand that you can make one online inspection request per disaster.
- To create or access your online account, call the Help Desk, 24/7 1-800-745-0243 or visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs to learn more.
- FEMA is committed to ensuring that each survivor’s recovery process continues to move forward. Therefore, applicants with online accounts can:
How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision
- The most important part of appealing a FEMA determination is knowing your deadlines. You have 60 days from the date FEMA has on the determination letter to send FEMA your appeal.
- It is important to include the documents or information FEMA requests and include a copy of the FEMA determination letter. FEMA may also request your homeowner’s insurance letters, proof of occupancy documents, proof of ownership documents or contractors’ estimates for home repairs.
- Don’t forget to sign and date your appeal letter and mail it to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
- Or fax it to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
Disaster Legal Assistance
- Free Disaster Legal Assistance. Low-income and vulnerable residents affected by Hurricane Ian who cannot afford their own lawyer may call the toll-free legal hotline at 877-797-2227, Ext. 120, or call the South Carolina line at 803-576-3815 to request assistance. Lines are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
How to Document Home Ownership and Occupancy for FEMA
- FEMA must determine ownership and occupancy of damaged primary residences. FEMA has made it easier for disaster survivors in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who experienced loss from Hurricane Ian to verify ownership and occupancy. fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-document-home-ownership-and-occupancy-fema-0