FEMA assistance, policy renewal deadlines extended

11/26/2024

 Key Messages

  • The deadlines to apply for FEMA assistance for Hurricanes Helene and Milton have been extended. Survivors now have until Jan. 7, 2025 to apply for assistance. Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices. You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
  • FEMA extended the policy renewal deadline for certain National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders to prevent a lapse in NFIP flood coverage. These policyholders have until Dec. 10, 2024, to renew their policies. This is a significant extension from the standard 30-day renewal grace period.
  • Survivors can get in person, one-on-one assistance by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. Centers are currently open in 27 counties to help survivors apply for assistance, answer questions and provide access to resources from other agencies. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.
  • Survivors who have experienced or continue to experience flooding issues should be careful while cleaning up after the flood: Don’t touch wet electrical equipment; watch where you step, flood waters hide dangerous debris and always wear protective gear!

By the Numbers

  • To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $1 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
    • $453.8 million approved for Hurricane Milton
    • $521.5 million approved for Hurricane Helene
    • $50 million approved for Hurricane Debby
  • 20,208 households
  • 49,537 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels.

FEMA Seeks Property Owners for Hurricane Survivors in Florida Communities

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

  • Transitional Sheltering Assistance is available for Floridians displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request TSA. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email. Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

Disaster Recovery Centers

  • Disaster Recovery Centers are open in 27 counties to help survivors apply for assistance, answer questions and provide access to resources from other agencies. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

U.S. Small Business Administration

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

  • If you sustained damage or loss from Hurricanes Milton or Helene, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
    • Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
    • Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
    • You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
  • 2024 Florida Hurricane Application deadlines: Hurricane Helene Jan. 7; Hurricane Milton Jan. 7.
  • Florida residents affected by Hurricane Helene or Milton do not need to wait for a visit from FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams before applying for assistance.

Additional Resources