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    • How much money does FEMA pay out for disaster relief? What you should know
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    How much money does FEMA pay out for disaster relief? What you should know

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

    As false claims about disaster funds emerge in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, many questions have arisen about how much money FEMA is spending — and how to get it.

    FEMA is offering financial assistance to both homeowners and small business owners affected by Helene. While payment can take the form of a check in the mail or direct deposit, the money can only be used for certain purposes approved by FEMA.

    This is what you need to know.

    How much money does FEMA pay out?

    The average FEMA disaster relief grant was $3,000 between 2016 and 2022. People with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies were paid an average claim amount of more than $66,000 during the same period, the government agency said.

    “In some cases, policyholders may be eligible to have their flood insurance claims tied to federal disaster assistance,” FEMA says on its website.

    What does FEMA relief cover?

    FEMA is urging people in certain areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia whose homes or personal property was damaged by Helene to apply for assistance.

    This assistance could include “advance funding to assist with essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies,” according to a FEMA press release.

    “Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as to provide assistance in finding temporary housing. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, regardless of whether they received FEMA funding.” “Despite being independent or not, they are still eligible to apply for and receive Helene assistance.” , the message continues.

    Is a generator covered by FEMA? What North Carolina Helene victims can use federal relief money for

    Do you have to pay back FEMA funds?

    According to FEMA.gov, in most cases FEMA grants do not have to be repaid.

    “If you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but ask FEMA to advance you some money so you can pay those costs while your insurance is delayed, you must pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance statement “FEMA says on its website.

    How do I apply?

    Call the toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), visit disasterassistance.gov or register online at http://www.fema.gov. You can also download the FEMA app and apply there. FEMA will ask questions about your income, insurance, and damage to your residence/housing needs. Be sure to save the application number.

    A FEMA inspector will arrange a visit to the home and sign a document certifying that you or someone in your home was a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, or qualified alien at the time of the disaster. You must present ID. If approved, you will receive a check or direct deposit with instructions on what to use the money for. Remember that these are grants and not loans. This means you don’t have to pay FEMA back.

    Contributor: Jacob Wilt

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    Caradoc Wyn
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