More Questions and Answers About FEMA Individual Assistance in South Carolina

To ensure survivors have the resources, support and information they need to navigate the recovery process with clarity, FEMA continues to gather and address frequently asked questions. This fact sheet is to offer a new set of answers, addressing additional inquiries and concerns. You can find another set of Q&A here.

Q: I've heard about Disaster Recovery Centers. What kind of help can I get there?

A: FEMA employees are available at Disaster Recovery Centers to answer your questions, help you apply for assistance, submit documentation or an appeal, and get referrals to other agencies that offer a variety of services to survivors. You can find DRC hours and locations by visiting fema.gov/DRC.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. If you speak a language other than English, FEMA employees can assist you with registration in your primary language.

Q: Is there a minimum amount of damage required to register with FEMA?

A: No, there is no minimum damage required to register for FEMA assistance. FEMA can't provide money for expenses covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source. However, FEMA may be able to help with unmet needs, including uninsured or underinsured losses.

Q: I'm a renter. Do I qualify for FEMA assistance?

A: Yes, renters whose property was destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Helene may be eligible to apply for federal assistance. FEMA grants may help pay for temporary housing and other unmet needs caused by a disaster.

Q: I am not a U.S. citizen. Can my household still apply for FEMA assistance?

A: To qualify for FEMA assistance, you or a member of your household must be U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified non-citizen. However, undocumented families with diverse immigration status only need one family member (including a minor child) who is a United States citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, or qualified non-citizen and has a Social Security Number to apply. A qualified non-citizen includes the following:

• Legal permanent resident ("green card" holder).
• An asylee, refugee, or a non-citizen whose deportation is being withheld.
• Non-citizen paroled into the U.S. for at least one year.
• Non-citizen granted conditional entry (per law in effect prior to April 1, 1980).
• Cuban/Haitian entrant.
• Certain aliens subjected to extreme cruelty or who have been a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, including persons with a "T" or "U" visa.

Adults who don't qualify under one of the categories above, including the undocumented, can apply on behalf of a minor child who does qualify and has a Social Security Number. A minor child must live with the parent or guardian applying on their behalf. The parent or guardian will not have to provide any information on their own immigration status or sign any documents regarding their status.

Q: Can I still apply if I already repaired my home?

A: Yes, you may qualify for reimbursement of eligible repairs or for help with needs not covered by insurance.

Q: Am I eligible for assistance if I have a high income?

A: Yes, FEMA assistance is based on unmet needs caused by a disaster. Eligibility is not dependent on income, but you will be asked to provide your income during the FEMA application process.

Q: Do I have to file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA assistance?

A: If you have insurance (such as flood, homeowners, renters, auto or other types of insurance), please file a claim with your provider as soon as possible.

You do not have to file your claim prior to applying for FEMA disaster assistance, but you will be required to provide FEMA your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for certain types of assistance.

Q: I haven't received my insurance settlement yet. Do I need to wait before requesting additional assistance from FEMA?

A: No. You may qualify for FEMA assistance even if you have insurance, so don't wait to apply with FEMA. However, you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA to determine your eligibility for some forms of assistance.

Again, you may not be eligible for assistance until you can provide additional insurance settlement information to FEMA (a necessary step to avoid duplication of benefits), but register now, before the deadline.

Q: I lost power for several days, so I had to throw out all the food in my refrigerator. Does FEMA cover food spoilage?

A: FEMA does not offer assistance specifically for food spoilage. You may be eligible for FEMA Serious Needs Assistance to help pay for lifesaving and life-sustaining items including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.

For additional feeding and nutritional needs, consider checking with local food pantries, non-governmental organizations, Voluntary Agencies Active During Disasters or other state and federal agencies.

Q: What if I missed something on my application?

A: You can update your information online at DisasterAssistance.gov, in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, on the phone using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Q: Why did my neighbor get more money than I did for repairs?

A: Each case is unique. There are several factors involved, including insurance status and the extent and type of damage documented.

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