Simplifying FEMA Assistance for Your Clients

One week after Hurricane Helene rolled across the Gulf Coast and Southeast United States, we’re just beginning to tally the effects of the destruction. As of Thursday, October 3, nearly one million customers were still without power with infrastructure simply wiped away. Outside of the power outages, people are struggling with what to do next to get their lives back in order. 

As a P&C agent, you are uniquely qualified to help by assisting your clients with navigating the complex world of insurance and FEMA assistance.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, FEMA funds are available for people who live in the following designated counties to help with essential items, repair storm-related damage, and pay for temporary housing: Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and eight counties in Tennessee.

Help your clients access the funds they need by sharing the resources below:

• FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
  • Calls are accepted from 6 am to 10 pm central time.
• FEMA Assistance Application Website: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• FEMA Mobile App: https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
• FEMA locations and hours: http://www.fema.gov/drc 

Homeowners and renters with damage to their homes or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.

FEMA Eligibility

Before your clients can receive any assistance, they must meet FEMA’s eligibility requirements.

To qualify for assistance, the applicant must:

• be either a United States citizen, a non-citizen national or a qualified non-citizen
• show proof that the disaster-damaged home is their primary residence and that they owned the residence at the time of the disaster
• provide proof of an insurance settlement for less than the needed amount or a letter explaining why coverage was denied (Only necessary if the homeowner has insurance)

Information needed to apply

• A description of the damage
• The physical address of the damaged property
• Valid social security number
• Contact information
• Insurance policy number, agent, or company
• Annual household income
• Bank account information for direct deposit

Best practices

If your clients were affected by Hurricane Helene, encourage them to file an insurance claim as soon as possible so they know how much assistance they will need from FEMA. Filing insurance claims must be done first to avoid having to repay FEMA for duplicate payouts.

Next steps after filing

• FEMA may conduct a home inspection to verify the reported damage.
• The applicant will receive a letter with FEMA’s decision.
• If the applicant disagrees with the decision, they can file an appeal by following the instructions in the decision letter.
• If approved for disaster assistance, the funds will be delivered either via check or direct deposit.

Other Resources

FEMA is also partnering with Crisis Cleanup to provide free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs, and mold mitigation. Give your clients this hotline to get relief: 844-965-1386.

More information about FEMA assistance can be found here.

AFR is giving $2,500 to the American Red Cross to help those most affected by the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. We hope you will join us. Donate here.

Other organizations providing aid and support include:

• Humane Society of the United States
• Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
• Feeding America and their local food banks

Navigating the intricacies of FEMA and the flood insurance market is complicated and time-intensive. That’s why insurance agents across the country turn to AFR as a trusted resource. Get Started with AFR today!