FEMA reminds North Carolina residents who have received federal disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Helene to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep receipts for three years.
Disaster assistance is intended to help residents pay for basic necessities lost because of the disaster. A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives soon after the check or direct deposit payment. Some eligible expenses may include items such as:
▪ Repairs to make a home safe, sanitary and livable.
▪ Rental assistance to temporarily pay for a place to stay.
▪ Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged essential vehicle.
▪ Medical care for an injury caused by the disaster.
▪ Money to help pay for funeral or reburial expenses caused by the disaster.
▪ Replacing clothing, occupational tools and educational materials.
▪ Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster.
If applicants spend the payment on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, they may be denied future disaster assistance. In some cases, FEMA may ask that the money be returned.
Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts for their disaster spending for three years to document the money was used to meet disaster-related expenses. If you receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you must reimburse FEMA. Audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.