Deadline for N.C. residents to register for FEMA aid is Monday

Sun Journal (New Bern, NC)

Jan. 04--Residents and business owners affected by Hurricane Matthew have until Monday to register with FEMA for assistance.

Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday urged those affected to register for the federal and state aid.

"Families and small businesses are still working hard to recover from Hurricane Matthew and we don't want anyone to miss out on getting the help they need," Cooper said in a news release. "Even if you think your insurance will cover your losses, I encourage you to register with FEMA."

Registering with FEMA is the first step in finding out if you are eligible for federal financial assistance. Disaster survivors may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA, but they must first submit applications for low-interest disaster loans via the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, according to the the governor's office.

Federal assistance may be grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or for other disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental services, transportation and funeral costs.

By Tuesday, FEMA had approved $27,804 in individual assistance; $86.4 million in individual and households program dollars; $60 million in housing assistance; and $26.4 million in other needs assistance like furnishings, transportation and medical expenses, according to FEMA's website.

Funding assistance also may be available through the SBA, which provides homeowners, renters and business owners with very low-interest loans to rebuild and repair damaged property and replace essential belongings.

Cooper urged those who have already registered with FEMA to stay in touch with the agency. Notify FEMA of any changes in address or phone numbers. Missing or wrong information could cause delays getting a home inspected or receiving assistance.

People can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. Deaf, hard of hearing or those who use a TTY, call 800-462-7585, or download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

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