ASHEVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – As communities clean up damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, officials are explaining why some residents may be told they are ineligible for disaster assistance.
Despite widespread rumors and misinformation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than 14,000 applications for relief in Buncombe County and disbursed $12 million to hurricane survivors there.
The process for FEMA assistance can be confusing, though, and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer shared a letter outlining the most common reasons people are denied assistance – and the next steps they can take.
REASON 1: YOU HAVEN’T SENT FEMA THE DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION REQUESTED.
FEMA’s suggestion: Read your FEMA letter carefully and thoroughly, and send FEMA the information requested. If that information is not available, let FEMA know why.
REASON 2: YOUR DAMAGE OR LOSS IS COVERED BY INSURANCE OR OTHER SOURCES.
By law, FEMA cannot duplicate assistance received from other …