List of Counties Approved for Disaster Declaration

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of North Carolina to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Florence. Residents residing in these counties are currently eligible for FEMA assistance and their applications can begin to be processed.

Alexander County
Alleghany County
Ashe County
Avery County
Buncombe County
Burke County
Caldwell County
Catawba County
Clay County
Cleveland County
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina
Gaston County
Haywood County
Henderson County
Jackson County
Lincoln County
Macon County
Madison County
McDowell County
Mitchell County
Polk County
Rutherford County
Transylvania County
Watauga County
Wilkes County
Yancey County
Swain County
Mecklenburg County

Homeowners: How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

*If you have trouble contacting FEMA officials, please call my office at 919-856-4630.

Whether your home experienced a few inches of flood water or a few feet, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help you recover. If you’re an NFIP policyholder, follow the steps below to begin filing your flood claim. Report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Need help finding your insurance agent or carrier? Call the NFIP at 1-877-336-2627 or visit https://www.fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim to begin your claim or if you have questions.

FEMA Disaster Assistance Application Checklist

Before you start your application, please have the information below and a pen and paper ready.
1. Social Security Number - You, another adult member or minor child in your household must have a Social Security number. You or they must also be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. If you don't have a Social Security number, read the article How do I apply for a new or replacement Social Security number card. You will get instructions on what to do and what documents you will need. Once you have your number, you may come back to DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at one of the phone numbers above to apply.
2. Insurance Information - Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have. This could include coverage under policies like homeowners, flood, automobile, or mobile home insurance.
3. Damage Information - Describe the damage caused by the disaster. Include the type of disaster (like flood, hurricane, or earthquake) and the type of dwelling or vehicle (like a condo, mobile home or house, or a car or truck).
4. Financial Information - Provide your total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
5. Contact Information - Provide the address and phone number of the property where the damage occurred and the address and phone number of where we can reach you now.
6.  Direct Deposit Information (optional) - If approved, we can deposit your funds directly into your bank account. You just need to provide the following banking information:
  • Bank name
  • Type of account (like checking or savings)
  • Routing number
  • Account number

What to Expect After Applying for Disaster Assistance

After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage. 

FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed. 

Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining: 

  • whether you are approved for assistance
  • how much assistance you will receive
  • how the assistance must be used
  • how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it

The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.

Although FEMA assistance cannot make you whole, it may help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, sanitary and secure.  FEMA assistance may also provide temporary help with a place for you and your family to stay while you build your recovery plan.

Starting the Claims Process

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to start your claim and consider requesting an advance payment so you can start recovering as soon as possible. 

If you have a policy written directly with the NFIP (your Declaration Page has the FEMA logo in the top corner), it's fast and easy to report your claim directly to the NFIP's Direct Servicing Agent. When you click on the link you'll see a log-in screen. You may need to scroll down the page in order to find the information you need. Find your insurer on this list of insurance companies administering NFIP flood insurance and report your claim. 

Be sure you have the following information handy when speaking to your agent or insurance company:

    • Policy Declarations page (official document detailing your flood insurance coverage), if available
    • How you can be reached: Telephone phone number or alternate contact number; email address
    • The insured property location
    • The name of any mortgage company(s)

An adjuster should contact you within a few days of starting your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again. 

When your claims adjuster arrives for inspection, they should show you their official identification (Driver’s License and Company ID or Flood Control Number [FCN card]). They should also provide you with their contact information, such as their name, email, phone number, and the name of their adjusting firm, and their telephone number.  When meeting with you, your adjuster should cover the following:

    • An explanation of the NFIP Flood Claims Process.
    • An inspection of your property—during which he/she will scope your loss by taking measurements and photos.
    • An explanation of what an advance payment is and how or if you can get one.
    • Information about how you should present your loss to your insurance company and a discussion about your policy coverage. 

At the end of your inspection, your adjuster should provide you with information about what you need to do and what will happen next.   

IRS Tax Relief

Individuals and households that reside or have a business in Western North Carolina qualify for tax reliefand now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Filing and payment relief

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred beginning on September 25, 2024. North Carolina’s relief period ends on May 1, 2025 (postponement period).

This means that the May 1, 2025, deadline will now apply to:

  • Any individual or business that has a 2024 return normally due during March or April 2025.
  • Any individual, business or tax-exempt organization that has a valid extension to file their 2023 federal return. The IRS noted, however, that payments on these returns are not eligible for the extra time because they were due last spring before the hurricane occurred.
  • 2024 quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on Jan. 15, 2025, and 2025 estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
  • Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2024, and Jan. 31 and April 30, 2025. 

In addition, the IRS is also providing penalty relief to businesses that make payroll and excise tax deposits. 

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. These taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this relief. 

In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. 

Additional Tax Relief

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).

Qualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.  

Additional relief may be available to affected taxpayers who participate in a retirement plan or individual retirement arrangement (IRA). 

The IRS may provide additional disaster relief in the future. 

North Carolina Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  • North Carolina Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
  • North Carolinians have 60 days from October 1 to file an application, the deadline to apply is December 2
  • How to File a Disaster-Related Claim brochure provides step-by-step instructions to file a claim online (recommended)
  • Can also call the Disaster Unemployment Assistance hotline (919)-629-3857for help

Business Assistance

The SBA encourages applicants to apply online for needed disaster loan. Residents can also call SBA at 800-659-2955 or schedule an in-person appointment if they have any questions.
Available disaster loans for NC constituents in effected counties:
  • Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles
  • Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period

The SBA’s Hurricane Helene North Carolina specific page also has several documents linked at the bottom that provide additional insight into loan details/specifics

Emergency Veteran Resources

At this time Veterans are able to visit other VA health care facilities, if it is convenient for them to do so.  Veterans can visit the Asheville VA Hospital Pharmacy or call the Regional Clinical Contact Center at 855-679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives. They can also go to community pharmacies under the VA Pharmacy Disaster Benefits Plan, if they cannot make it to the VA facilities to refill prescriptions (30 day supply). 

Additional Emergency Veteran Resources:

 

Support for Veterans Impacted by Helene

Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members may qualify for up to $3,000, Legion Posts up to $10,000 in assistance through the American Legion.

Applicants must have been displaced from their primary residence due damage sustained during a declared natural disaster. If emergency/disaster shelters are available, and applicant chooses not to stay at shelter, need to know the reason why they did not stay in the shelter. Not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster. Does not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.

Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application. Click here for more information.

Farmer Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers with crops insured under the Federal crop insurance program to immediately contact their local crop insurance agent to report any damage to insured crops after the storm. 

Agriculture Weather Emergency Hotline to contact NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services: The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Farmers can also consult USDA’s Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to see what assistance programs they may be eligible for: https://www.farmers.gov/recover/disaster-assistance-tool#step-1

Check with your local FSA office. For a list of NC offices visit: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=nc&agency=fsa

Returning Home

  • Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
  • Be careful during clean up. Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold. Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.
  • Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
  • Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.
  • Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
  • Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

How to Replace Lost Documents in North Carolina

When applying for FEMA assistance after Tropical Storm Helene, North Carolinians may need to provide proof of identity, residence and other documentation. Here are some steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm.

Insurance policy information: Call your insurance company or agent and ask for a copy of your policy, including the Declaration Page. 

Birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce documents: Order certificates online: NCDHHS: DPH: NC Vital Records: Order a Certificate

Driver Licenses: If your driver license has been lost or damaged, you may apply for a replacement at any driver license office. Standard licenses may also be replaced online: Official NCDMV: License Renewal & Replacement (ncdot.gov). If there is a change of address, North Carolina driver license or ID card holders have 30 days to update their address on the credential.

Social Security Cards: Replace Social Security card | SSA. You may be able to do this online, or you can fill out an application for a Social Security card and bring it to your local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency, no photocopies.

Medicare Cards: To replace your card, call Medicare at 800-633-4227(TTY 877-486-2048), visit your local Social Security office, request a new card through you online account with Social Security or visit MyMedicare.gov.

Green Card: Go to uscis.gov and complete the Form I-90 application to replace a permanent resident card, and file it online or by mail. Replace Your Green Card | USCIS.

Passports: How to Report a Passport Lost or Stolen (state.gov).

Federal Tax Returns: About Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.

Military Records: Request Military Service Records | National Archives.