CHARLOTTE, N.C. — President Joe Biden granted North Carolina's request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration due to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The declaration means the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can send much-needed money to residents and businesses in 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that were impacted by Helene. The declaration also provides public assistance to reimburse local governments, state agencies and nonprofits for money spent restoring facilities and infrastructures.
A federal emergency declaration was already in place prior to the devastating impacts of Helene, and Sunday's declaration enables more aid and immediate assistance for areas that need it.
The counties in the declaration include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify team examined who qualifies for FEMA assistance after natural disasters and severe weather.
First, FEMA is required by law to ensure all help is given to those affected by a major disaster.
OUR SOURCES
FEMA
THE QUESTION
If you are a renter can you get FEMA assistance?
THE ANSWER
Yes, FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may also help renters who lost personal property or were displaced.
THE QUESTION
If you have insurance, FEMA won't help.
THE ANSWER
That is false. According to FEMA's website, you can get assistance if you have insurance; however, you must also file an insurance claim. FEMA can't help with expenses covered by insurance.
THE QUESTION
If you receive a grant from FEMA, it has to be paid back.
THE ANSWER
This is false. In most cases, those grants don't have to be repaid. However, if you have insurance that covers temporary housing costs and receive an advance from FEMA while the insurance is processing, you will have to pay that money back to FEMA.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.