Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The deadline to register for FEMA assistance following Helene’s destruction across East Tennessee is quickly approaching.
Flood survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties have until Tuesday, January 7 to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said that through FEMA’s Individual and Households Program, applicants may be eligible for the following:
- Home repair or replacement
- Rental assistance
- Personal property
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Childcare
- Medical and dental help
- Moving and storage expenses
- Privately owned roads, bridges, or docks
- Accessibility needs
- Funeral costs
Those looking to apply may do so online, on the FEMA app, by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and midnight and in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
Anyone who applied for assistance should get an eligibility letter from FEMA by physical mail or email, and it will explain the application status and how to respond. It will also have an optional appeal form.
Officials said to make sure you read the letter carefully.
Those who are asked to submit more information or supporting documentation may need to provide proof of insurance coverage, identity, occupancy, ownership, that the damaged property was the applicant’s main residence when the hurricane hit, and/or a settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from the insurance company.
Appeals need to be submitted within 60 days of the date posted on the decision letter.
FEMA has approved more than $21.6 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 13,900 households in Tennessee.
