My fellow North Carolinians, 

The destruction caused by Helene is incomprehensible and has left many communities in Western North Carolina absolutely devastated. The last thing that the victims of Helene need right now is political posturing, finger-pointing, or conspiracy theories that only hurt the response effort. The immediate focus needs to be supporting search and rescue operations and ensuring the safety of everyone in harm’s way.

Make no mistake that the full recovery process will be long and difficult. So many families have lost their homes and all their belongings, while entire communities have been destroyed by flooding. I will do everything in my power to help make them whole again, and I have already started working in the U.S. Senate to pursue long-term federal assistance for families and communities left devastated from the flooding.

This long-term federal assistance will be the key to Western North Carolina’s recovery over the coming months and years to rebuild homes, infrastructure, farms, roads, and highways that were damaged or destroyed. I will also keep pushing to change federal law to get rid of unnecessary red-tape and bureaucracy that needlessly delays the start of the long-term rebuilding process. 

When it comes to immediate needs for federal assistance, please know there are a number of programs available for homeowners, small business owners, and farmers who have suffered property damage or loss. If you have a question about the process or are not getting the help you need from the federal government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office and we will assist you. My office number is (704) 509-9087.

Below are some of the federal assistance programs available to North Carolinians. Please visit my website for additional resources.

Disaster Assistance for Homeowners

FEMA can provide assistance to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, including paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs, and other needs not covered by insurance. FEMA assistance is limited to primary homes only, or the place you live more than six months of the year. Please note that FEMA cannot provide assistance for damage already covered by insurance.

Apply by visiting disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Residents of counties approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) are eligible for benefits if they lost their jobs as a direct result of Hurricane Helene. Business owners and self-employed individuals may also qualify for benefits.

To file a DUA application, please visit des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024.

Flood Insurance Claims

Whether your home experienced a few inches of flood water or a few feet, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help you recover. If you’re an NFIP policyholder, follow the steps below to begin filing your flood claim. Report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier.

Need help finding your insurance agents? Call the NFIP at 1-877-336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim to begin your claim.

Small Business Disaster Loans

Disaster loans are now available for businesses and residents in declared disaster areas to help communities recover and rebuild.

Apply online by visiting sba.gov/hurricane-helene

For more help: Call: 800‐659‐2955 or email [email protected]

IRS Tax Deadline

Taxpayers in affected areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Among other things, this includes 2024 individual and business returns normally due during March and April 2025, 2023 individual and corporate returns with valid extensions, and quarterly estimated tax payments.

Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax help site, call 1-800-906-9887.

For a list of additional resources, please click here.

If you apply for any of these programs and you either have questions or need help during the process, please don’t hesitate to call my office at (704) 509-9087.

Sincerely,