ATLANTA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Monday that $31 million in Helene assistance has been approved so far for more than 39,000 households in Georgia.
More than 50 counties in Georgia have been approved for assistance under a federal disaster declaration since Helene left a swath of destruction from Valdosta to Augusta, in what Gov. Brian Kemp likened to last week as a "230, 240 mile tornado went through our state."
FEMA says it has Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams "on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties continuing to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources."
How to apply for FEMA Helena assistance in Georgia
There are three primary ways to get started:
- Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
- Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
- Downloading and applying on the FEMA App.
When applying, people are directed to have and supply the following:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your Social Security number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
FEMA also notes that you should keep receipts for recovery expenses such as:
- Home repairs
- Repairs to a septic system, water well or private road
- Purchase of a generator or chainsaw
- Replacement of personal property items such as appliances
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Insurance settlement or denial
The people living in counties affected by Tropical Storm Debby, which also had a disaster declaration, will need to file for separate assistance regarding Helene as this FEMA release outlines.
What you can get assistance with:
FEMA says:
People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.
Georgia counties in the disaster declaration | List
- Appling
- Atkinson
- Bacon
- Ben Hill
- Berrien
- Brooks
- Bryan
- Bulloch
- Burke
- Butts
- Camden
- Candler
- Charlton
- Chatham
- Clinch
- Coffee
- Colquitt
- Columbia
- Cook
- Echols
- Effingham
- Elbert
- Emanuel
- Evans
- Glascock
- Glynn
- Irwin
- Jeff Davis
- Jefferson
- Jenkins
- Johnson
- Lanier
- Laurens
- Liberty
- Lincoln
- Long
- Lowndes
- McDuffie
- Montgomery
- Newton
- Pierce
- Rabun
- Richmond
- Screven
- Tattnall
- Telfair
- Tift
- Toombs
- Treutlen
- Ware
- Washington
- Wayne
- Wheeler
Note that of these counties, Bryan, Butts, Camden, Charlton, Elbert, Glynn, Long, Newton, Rabun and Wayne Counties are separately only available for individual assistance.