Apply for FEMA Assistance: Deadline Extended to January for Georgia Residents

Georgia residents impacted by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby now have an extended window to apply for federal disaster assistance. At the request of the state, the application deadline for FEMA aid has been pushed to January 7, 2025. This extension aims to provide more time for those needing financial support for essential needs, home repairs, and recovery after the storms.

Just the Facts

• Who’s Eligible: Homeowners and renters in specified counties affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene are eligible for assistance.
• Tropical Storm Debby: Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, and Screven counties.
• Hurricane Helene: Numerous counties, including Appling, Chatham, Fulton, Glynn, Liberty, and more, totaling over 60 counties.
• Types of Assistance Available: FEMA assistance can cover urgent needs, temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses.
• Separate Applications Required: Those affected by both disasters must apply separately for each event.

How to Apply:

• Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• FEMA App: Applications can be submitted through the FEMA App.
• By Phone: Call 800-621-3362, with multilingual support available.
• In-Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply in person.

FEMA recommends those with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance to file an insurance claim first. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate insurance coverage, though additional support may be available if insurance doesn’t cover all disaster-related expenses.

Why This Matters: With the extended deadline, residents who suffered from these significant weather events can better ensure they have time to gather necessary documents, file claims, and apply for federal support. This assistance can be crucial for families working to rebuild homes, cover essential living expenses, and recover after unexpected displacement.

For updates, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia or fema.gov/disaster/4821.

B.T. Clark

Publisher at The Georgia Sun

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist with 25-years experience in journalism. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is the publisher of The Georgia Sun and a fifth-generation Georgian.