FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of South Carolina to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene from Sept. 25, 2024, and continuing.

President Biden’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Gov. Henry McMaster on Saturday requested an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local response efforts to Hurricane Helene. 

The governor's request also included FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants to help lessen the impact of future disasters.

Brett H. Howard has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Officials said additional designations may be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. 

If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.