FEMA application deadline extended to Jan. 24

Jan. 09--North Carolina residents whose homes and businesses sustained damage during Hurricane Matthew will get an extended deadline to Jan. 24 to register for federal and state disaster loans.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state of North Carolina's request for a 14-day extension for Hurricane Matthew survivors to apply for federal disaster assistance.

"Our top priority this weekend is keeping families safe during the winter storm," Cooper said in a press release. "As soon as conditions improve, I urge hurricane survivors to register with FEMA to see what aid may be available to help them recover and move forward."

This is the second extension granted to help those impacted by the hurricane. The state requested more time for survivors because of a notable dip in registrations during the holiday season. Additionally, the winter storm over the weekend may have prevented some people who intended to register from doing so.

The new Jan. 23 deadline to register with FEMA applies to homeowners, renters and businesses submitting applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Cooper encouraged all those who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew to register with FEMA, even those who have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if someone is underinsured they may receive help after their claim has been settled.

Registration is open to survivors in 45 counties designated for Individual Assistance, including: Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Washington, Wayne and Wilson.

People wishing to register may go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. to register; or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585; or download the FEMA Mobile App

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