Helene disaster declaration now includes York County in SC. How you can apply for help
York County residents with damage from Helene are now eligible to apply for federal disaster aid heading to South Carolina.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency added the county and the Catawba Indian Nation Monday to the state’s list of counties and governments eligible for individual assistance, FEMA said in a statement. The tribe’s reservation is located in eastern York County along the Catawba River.
Homeowners and renters who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Helene can apply, FEMA said.
FEMA may be able to help with temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs, the agency said.
The change comes after York County emergency officials and area politicians pushed for inclusion as damage assessment continued. And it’s just days after federal officials added Mecklenburg County in North Carolina to that state’s disaster declaration list.
“This is a key component to getting the people of York County back on their feet,” York County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes said Monday. “Now, we need people themselves to apply and tell others who may need assistance.”
FEMA included York County Monday after it initially was not among the counties eligible for assistance. Currently 21 counties in South Carolina are eligible after Helene slammed through the state on Sept. 27.
How to apply
People can apply online or by phone, FEMA said.
▪ Online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
▪ You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling 800-621-3362.
▪ To view a video on how to apply look up “Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance” on Youtube.
What you need to apply
FEMA said people must have certain information when applying.
▪ 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.
York County governments also FEMA eligible
York County’s governments and nonprofits have also met the threshold for public assistance from FEMA, Haynes said. That includes costs for public damages or services associated with Helene. The public assistance aid is separate from individual assistance money.
For more information, follow FEMA’s South Carolina recovery online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4829.
You can also follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Helene disaster declaration now includes York County in SC. How you can apply for help."
