In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA is reiterating its offers of aid to those who live in areas that were impacted by the storms.
Although Tallahassee avoided a direct hit with the major Category Four Hurricane Helene, many areas suffered catastrophic impacts from the storm, including North Carolina, where significant floods had horrific impacts on many communities.
FEMA is currently battling the false claim that FEMA is only offering $750 to those impacted by Hurricane Helene, FEMA disputed these claims in an X post in which, a representative for the organization, stated, “There’s a rumor out there that FEMA is only providing survivors with $750, this is not true.”
The spokesperson then emphasizes that FEMA offers only one type of aid: “For essentials like baby formula, food, water, medication, and other essential supplies.” They also noted that there are other forms of aid available that survivors have to apply for.
According to the FEMA Eligibility Criteria Website, the requirements to be eligible for FEMA assistance are as follows: FEMA must first verify your citizenship status. The website states that “only United States citizens, noncitizen nationals, or qualified noncitizens” are eligible for FEMA assistance.
FEMA offers a wide array of programs that account for a wide variety of expenses incurred during disasters, such as lodging expenses for hotels, rental assistance to obtain housing due to displacement, housing repair, and temporary housing.
To address any further concerns or questions that readers may have, The Famuan was able to contact the FEMA Region 4 Newsdesk to answer lingering questions:
What counties are eligible for FEMA assistance?
“Counties designated in a presidentially declared major disaster are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.”
Major presidential disasters are commonly declared during these storms, and these declarations include counties impacted directly by a weather event. The Federal Disaster Relief website lists counties by state, and in Florida, some of these counties include Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties.
How Much FEMA assistance can be expected if granted?
“Each survivor’s circumstance is different. Each application and circumstances are reviewed to determine the type and amount of assistance.”
Are there any other resources available to survivors that many don’t know about
“FEMA works closely with federal, state, private sector, and non-profit partners to make additional resources available for survivors.”
Overall, FEMA’s assistance can be a boon for survivors who often face massive difficulties in the wake of devastating natural disasters. Dispelling misinformation and informing survivors on how to obtain aid will help aid in the healing and recovery process for many communities ravaged by the storms.