Our entire state is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the devastation it has wrought upon our neighbors in Western North Carolina. I am extremely grateful for the ongoing emergency response and recovery efforts, and my office is here to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Please find below a list of federal and state resources available to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene:
HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE
Homeowners and renters in 27 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can apply for federal assistance in several ways:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA App
- Or call 800-621-3362 any day of the week. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Services (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Additionally, you can learn more on applying for individual assistance by watching FEMA’s informational video here.
REPLACING LOST DOCUMENTS
When applying for FEMA assistance, North Carolinians may need to provide proof of identity, residence, and other documentation. Below are some steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm:
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Insurance policy information: Call your insurance company or agency and ask for a copy of your policy, including the Declaration Page.
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Birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce documents: You can order certificates online at vitalrecords.nc.gov/order.htm.
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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 be replaced online through the NC DMV website. 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.
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Social Security Cards: You may be able to order a replacement online at ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card, or you can fill out an application for a Social Security card and bring ittoyour local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency. No photocopies will be accepted.
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Medicare Cards: To replace your card, you can call Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY 877-486-2048), visit your local Social Security office, request a new card through your online account with Social Security, or visit MyMedicare.gov.
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Passports: For information on how to replace a lost or damaged passport, visit the travel.state.gov website on reporting a lost or stolen passport.
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Federal Tax Returns: To request a copy of your tax return, you will need to submit Form 4506 and return to the IRS. For more information, you can visit irs.gov/forms-pub/about-form-4506.
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Military Records: For more information on obtaining free copies of your DD Form 214 and other military service records, visit archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.
LOW-INTEREST DISASTER LOANS
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. You can apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available in 25 North Carolina counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. To file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, visit des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. If you need help or do not have access to a computer, you may file over the phone by calling the DUA hotline at 919-629-3857.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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If you have family or friends who are missing or unaccounted for, text PERSON to 40403 to add your loved one to search and rescue efforts. Rescue efforts are ongoing and based on the severity of need. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
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If you need help reconnecting with loved ones missing after Hurricane Helene, you can call 800-733-2767. Provide as much information as possible to help operators locate your missing loved one.
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United Way’s NC 211 is an information and referral services that connects North Carolinians to verified resources for basic needs such as housing and utility assistance, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. NC 211 is a multilingual and confidential service that provides health and human services information and referrals through a free statewide phone number (2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 if you are calling from an out-of-state area code) and website (www.nc211.org).
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A toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Low-income residents with disaster-related legal questions may call the disaster legal assistance hotline at 866-219-5262. For more information, visit www.ncbar.org.
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Prescription Assistance: Uninsured North Carolina residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene can replace their 30-day supply of certain prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies from any pharmacy that participates in the Emergency Prescription Assistance program. Residents in 179 North Carolina zip codes are now eligible to apply for EPAP assistance. To learn more about the program, check out the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) website. To find a participating pharmacy near you, use the pharmacy locator here. For help enrolling in the EPAP program, please call the enrollment hotline at 1-855-793-7470 (TDD 1-800-876-1089).
For a thorough list of resources available to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4827#local-resources.