FEMA specialists in South Carolina after Hurricane Helene

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews are in South Carolina neighborhoods helping people apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene.

DSA specialist wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. They go door to door in affected neighborhoods to help people apply for federal assistance, check the status of an application, identify potential needs and make connections with organizations that can provide resources. DSA crews never ask for, or accept, money.

After you’ve applied for FEMA assistance, FEMA may call you to schedule an inspection of the damaged home, or to obtain more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers.

It is important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA’s review of the application.

All FEMA representatives have official identification. Housing inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming. They will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification and will show it to the applicant. Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free.

How to Apply

Homeowners and renters in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties can apply in several ways: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App, or call 800-621-3362.  Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.

For the latest information about South Carolina’s recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4829. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.