North Raleigh Today

FEMA has approved a 30-day extension for disaster survivors in North Carolina to apply for individual assistance. The new deadline is April 7, 2025. Governor Josh Stein expressed gratitude towards FEMA and the Trump Administration for this extension, as well as the support from the Congressional delegation.

Governor Stein stated, “Thank you to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting North Carolina’s request to extend the individual assistance program and to our Congressional delegation for its support. This is a positive step forward, and I urge affected residents from western North Carolina to apply for FEMA funding to help them get back on their feet.”

He also emphasized the need for further federal support, saying, “We continue to seek adequate funding from Congress and the General Assembly for the ongoing recovery efforts. The people of western North Carolina need more federal support to build back stronger.”

The counties eligible for assistance include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash Polk Rowan Rutherford Stanly Surry Swain Transylvania Union Watauga Wilkes Yadkin Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These areas were impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

Governor Stein had previously requested an additional $19 billion in federal funds aimed at infrastructure restoration and home repairs. Additionally he invited citizens to contribute to finalizing an Action Plan related to $1.4 billion awarded by HUD.

Applications can be submitted through various channels: visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (fema.gov/drc), calling 1-800-621-3362 between 7 am and midnight or online at disasterassistance.gov.

Survivors with insurance should file claims with their insurers before applying but do not need settlement confirmation before seeking FEMA aid. Those denied assistance can appeal through multiple methods including Disaster Recovery Centers or legal aid resources like https://legalaidnc.org/project/disaster-relief-project/.

For additional help or resources during recovery efforts individuals may contact NC-DCM at 1-844-746-2326 or visit ncdps.gov/Helene/dcm where over 500 partnerships are available providing tailored solutions according specific needs encountered throughout recovery processes.