In North Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has extended its application deadline for assistance in the wake of Helene to January 7, 2025. FEMA officials say it's important for survivors to know what to expect — and not to expect — after applying.
After registering with FEMA, survivors will first be contacted by phone to schedule a home inspection where officials can access the property and record the damage. That phone call will likely be from an unknown or out-of-state number as FEMA workers come from across the U.S.
A typical inspection takes about 45 minutes. To help determine eligibility for assistance, survivors should provide the inspector with their application number and I.D., a list of damages, and proof of ownership or occupancy.
Media Relations Specialist Briana Fenton says they should also be on the lookout for fraud.
"An inspector will never show up without an appointment," says Fenton. "There’s no charge for this inspection or for any other FEMA service. The inspector will never ask for your banking information. And they will always have an official identification badge with a photo I.D. on it."
Following the inspection — typically within ten days — approved applicants will receive an email or letter from FEMA outlining the type of assistance they may be receiving, how to appropriately use the grants, and next steps. Those who are deemed ineligible can appeal that decision within 60 days. Supporting documents can be sent online to disasterassistance.gov.