SOUTH CAROLINA: HURRICANE IAN WEEKLY FACT SHEET – FEB 17, 2023
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/south-carolina-hurricane-ian-weekly-fact-sheet-jan-27-2023]


Release Date: 
Feb 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 
[https://www.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
[http://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs] to learn more.

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. 

 	* Hurricane Ian survivors may also contact South Carolina Legal
Services at 888-346-5592 from 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO THURSDAY or
submit a request for disaster legal services at
www.lawhelp.org/sc/online-intake
[http://www.lawhelp.org/sc/online-intake].

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
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-document-home-ownership-and-occupancy-fema-0]