Georgia – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended an application for disaster aid to residents in 63 Georgia counties impacted by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene past summer and fall. Following a request from the state administration to stretch the first deadline due to the severe damage caused by the storms, the new deadline is now set for February 7, 2025.
How to apply for FEMA assistance
People affected by the storms have several ways to get help. Available daily and providing support in most languages, applicants can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download and utilize the FEMA App, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use relay services—such as captioned phone or Video Relay Service—should let FEMA know your particular service number. In-person assistance is also provided at Disaster Recovery Centers; FEMA’s website, fema.gov/drc, shows sites and operating hours.
FEMA has also published an accessible video tutorial titled “Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance” on YouTube, guiding individuals through the application process.
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For various needs not covered by insurance or other kinds of assistance, FEMA provides Individual Assistance grants—which are not eligible for repayment. This covers funding for personal goods lost or destroyed, rental help for people who must move, accommodation reimbursements for temporary hotel stays, nd basic house repairs for main homes devastated by the storms.
Each household is qualified for one application only, hence applicants should keep this in mind. Furthermore, it’s important to know that FEMA cannot support losses previously covered by insurance or other assistance programs and does not pay expenses for lost or damaged food.
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What you need when applying
When applying for FEMA assistance, you should have the following information ready:
- Contact phone number
- Addresses both during the disaster and your current residence
- Social Security Number for any household member
- A basic list of damages and losses
- Bank information for direct deposit of aid
- Insurance details, including your policy number
Insurance claims and keeping receipts
Residents with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance are urged to file a claim immediately. FEMA assistance cannot overlap with insurance payouts, but it is available for costs not covered by insurance. Insurance claims as well as potential FEMA compensation depend on keeping receipts for all expenses linked to a disaster.
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For Georgians affected by the recent storms, this extended deadline provides a vital window to ensure the required support for their efforts to recover. Residents are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible to fully benefit from the resources accessible for use together with ongoing federal support.
