If you were displaced, or have unmet needs, request aid from FEMA by Nov. 27
When applying for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster Individual Assistance, residents who have unmet needs for necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing can receive an initial $750 in Serious Needs Assistance without being required to conduct an inspection.
If you were displaced from your home due to Hurricane Helene storm damage and are staying in a car, with a friend or family member, in a hotel or shelter – anywhere that isn’t the home you were in prior to the storm – FEMA disaster Individual Assistance is also available to you now. Hillsborough County residents affected by Hurricane Helene qualify, but the deadline to apply is Nov. 27, 2024. Once you confirm you are displaced and complete the application, it will generate your FEMA number. You should use this number when applying for additional assistance through HOPE Florida.
FEMA aid can be used for temporary housing, home repairs, car damages, uninsured property losses, child care, and other expenses.
There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance. However, if you have homeowner’s insurance, be sure to first file your insurance claim with your insurance company before submitting an application with FEMA.
Applying online
The quickest way to apply for FEMA aid is to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
The application will require you to create an account with Login.gov, or link to an existing account if you already have one.
You will need to supply the following information on your application:
- Your Social Security number
- Annual household income
- Contact information, including your phone number, home address at the time of Hurricane Helene, and current mailing address
- Insurance information, if applicable, such as the type of coverage you have and the company’s name. If you don't have your insurance information handy when you are filling out the application, you can come back and add it later.
- Bank account information, including the name of your bank or financial company and routing and account numbers. If you qualify for assistance, money will be deposited directly into your account. You do not need to have a bank account to get assistance.
Applying by phone, in person, or via the FEMA app
If applying for FEMA assistance online is not an option, you have several other ways to request assistance.
- Call the FEMA hotline at 1-800-621-3362 or download and use the FEMA app on a mobile device.
- Visit Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in-person. Hillsborough’s Storm Recovery page has DRC location and hours of operation information.
After your application is submitted
Once your application has been submitted, FEMA will contact you to explain your eligibility, assistance you will receive, and how to appeal. If your primary residence was damaged by the disaster and is not livable, sanitary and safe, FEMA may schedule a home inspection to verify damage.
Where to find help
If you have questions about your application or the process, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. The helpline is available in your time zone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity.
The FEMA Helpline can answer questions about:
- How to apply for assistance
- How to get information or make updates in your account
- What types of help are offered by FEMA
- How to correct application errors or other site-related problems
Additional FEMA information
- FEMA does not provide assistance for small businesses impacted by a disaster.
- For information about loans available to small businesses, the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is a good place to start.
- FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and other federal agencies will never charge you for disaster assistance or to apply for disaster assistance.
- These frequently asked questions may help you better understand what aid is available and how the process works. may help you better understand what aid is available and how the process works.
- Recovering from an emergency or natural disaster can be overwhelming. However, you are not alone. For more information about resources available to you, visit HCFL.Gov/StormRecovery.