President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Georgia, unlocking FEMA funds to aid in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on Sept. 26, has been devastating, with over 150 casualties reported across six southeastern states. The hurricane wreaked havoc from Florida’s Gulf Coast through Georgia, North Carolina, and into parts of southwestern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Following a Facebook post from The White House on Sept. 30, outlining the administration’s response efforts to Hurricane Helene and granting major disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, several VERIFY readers raised concerns about Georgia’s absence from the list of eligible states for FEMA assistance.
THE QUESTION
Can people in Georgia access federal hurricane relief funds?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, residents of Georgia are now eligible to receive federal hurricane relief funds.
WHAT WE FOUND
Georgia was granted major disaster declaration status on Oct. 1, making residents in over 30 counties eligible for federal assistance. The White House and FEMA confirmed that individuals and businesses in these counties can access grants for housing, repairs, and low-cost loans to cover losses. The state and local governments in Georgia are also eligible for FEMA funds to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
If further assistance is required following a natural disaster, the governor can request federal support, leading to a presidential declaration that activates FEMA’s aid. Since the declaration for Georgia, FEMA and federal agencies have been responding to the disaster in multiple states affected by Hurricane Helene.
Residents impacted by the storm can apply for FEMA assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-3362. Help is available in various languages, and the telephone assistance line operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
