FEMA assistance: Separating fact from fiction after Helene

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AUGUSTA, Ga. - Can you separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency?

There are a lot of rumors out there in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene – some of them through misunderstandings and some of them intentional by people trying to benefit from misinformation.

The U.S. government’s top disaster relief official went so far as to say the false claims and conspiracy theories are “demoralizing” aid workers and creating fear in people who need recovery assistance.

How misinformation, hoaxes are hindering Helene recovery

The facts emerging from Hurricane Helene’s destruction are heartrending. Yet this devastation and despair is not enough for people spreading false claims and conspiracy theories about it and the government’s response.

Here’s a look at rumors floating around out there and the fact of the matter.

Rumor: FEMA only provides loans to disaster survivors.

Fact: This is false. In most cases, FEMA grants do NOT have to be paid back.

There are some less common situations in which you may have to pay FEMA back if you receive duplicate benefits from insurance or a grant from another source. For example, if you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but you ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement.

If you are a homeowner or small business owner, low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business istration (SBA) in a declared major disaster area. These loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits. Learn more about SBA disaster loans.

Rumor: Applying multiple times for disaster assistance will speed up the process of being approved.

Fact: People need to apply for assistance one time per household.

Do not re-submit or create a new application during the disaster assistance process. Submitting more than one application per disaster will cause delays.

You can check the status of your application or read any FEMA correspondence by accessing your DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

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Rumor: The FAA is restricting access to the airspace for Helene rescue and recovery operations.

Fact: The FAA is not restricting access for recovery operations.

The FAA is coordinating closely with state and local officials to make sure everyone is operating safely in very crowded and congested airspace.

Rumor: FEMA distributes aid based on demographic characteristics.

Fact: FEMA provides assistance to survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

Rumor: FEMA is in the process of confiscating Helene survivor property. If I apply for disaster assistance and my land is deemed unlivable, my property will be seized.

Fact: FEMA cannot seize your property or land.

Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. When you apply for disaster assistance a FEMA inspector may be sent to the damage on your home. This is one of many factors reviewed to determine what kind of disaster assistance you may be eligible for. If the results of the inspection deem your home uninhabitable, that information is only used to determine the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home safe, sanitary and functional.

Rumor: FEMA is no longer accepting applications for housing assistance.

Fact: FEMA is still accepting assistance applications throughout areas affected by Helene.

For current application timelines, visit disasterassistance.gov. You can also see if applications are being accepted on FEMA’s state specific Helene disaster webpages; Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Beech Island couple died hugging each other when tree fell

John Savage said his grandparents were found hugging one another in the bed, adding that the family thinks it was God’s plan to take them together, rather than one suffer without the other.

Esta foto, proporcionada por Laurel Lindsay, muestra a Marcia y Jerry Savage, quienes murieron...

Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene.

Fact: FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs.

If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.

Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations and turning away volunteers.

Fact: This is false: FEMA does not ask for or generally accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response.

The agency does encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed.

If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees will never solicit money.

Learn more about how to help after a disaster: How to Help After Hurricane Helene

Rumor: Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to international efforts or border related issues.

Fact: This is false.

No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.

Helene victims in CSRA need to watch out for scammers

Severe weather means likely storm damage, and just as common as fallen trees or damaged homes are scammers who try to make a dollar during a time of disaster.

Rumor: FEMA is confiscating donations for survivors.

Fact: Rumors about FEMA turning away donations, stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating and seizing supplies often spread after a disaster. These are all false.

FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations. Donations of food, water, or other goods are handled by voluntary agencies who specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning, and distributing donated items. FEMA does not conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards – those are done by local law enforcement.

Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to their recovery.

Fact: This is false.

This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you qualify for, us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.