FEMA deadline drawing near
By Staff Reports
Published in News on January 18, 2017 10:14 AM
Less than a week remains for victims of Hurricane Matthew to apply for disaster assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The deadline 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, to file for federal assistance and to submit applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if you have registered with another disaster-relief organization such as the American Red Cross, or local community or church organization. Applicants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card.
Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs to make your home habitable, and for other disaster-related needs. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare or other federal benefits.
Victims are urged not to wait any longer even if they may think they are not eligible for federal or state funding.
FEMA can work with applicants to help determine whether they could receive some form of assistance.
Insurance may not cover all of a person's losses. FEMA may be able to help pay for what insurance doesn't cover. But you won't know unless you register, FEMA officials said.
Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
FEMA has made it a priority to reach all survivors who need help, including people with disabilities and/or access and functional needs, senior citizens and people with limited English proficiency.
So if you have a neighbor or friend who needs help, but hasn't registered yet, please encourage them to do so, FEMA officials said.
Here's how to register:
* Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
* Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
* Download the FEMA mobile app and apply.
Three FEMA/North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Centers remain open. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The centers are closed Sundays.
The centers are located at:
* Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville.
* Edgecombe County Health Department, 3003 N. Main St., Tarboro.
* Robeson County old Kmart store, 2750 N. Roberts Ave., Lumberton.