The federal government offers assistance programs for individuals impacted by disasters such as hurricanes, like Helene and Milton in the Southeastern US. To access funding, individuals must submit an application to FEMA. As of Friday morning, only aid for Hurricane Helene victims was available, with aid for Hurricane Milton expected to be available once an official federal disaster declaration is made.
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance: by calling the toll-free number, registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center in person. Floridians impacted by both hurricanes need to submit two separate applications. To be eligible for aid, individuals must live in a declared disaster area and be a US citizen, noncitizen national, or qualified noncitizen. Applicants will be asked for their Social Security number for identity verification.
FEMA provides assistance for home repair expenses not covered by insurance. Eligible disaster victims receive a $750 direct payment for immediate essentials post-disaster, and aid for home repair, rental assistance, personal property replacement, and medical expenses. The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans for renters, homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations with disaster-related losses.
State and local groups, as well as nonprofits like the American Red Cross, also provide aid to disaster victims. The State of Florida has its own official Florida Disaster Fund for distributing donations to service organizations across the state. The IRS is providing assistance for taxpayers in FEMA-designated disaster areas, including extended tax filing deadlines and possible casualty loss deductions for property damage. Small business owners may also be eligible for Covid-era tax credits.
Individuals in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia affected by Hurricane Helene have until May 1 to file tax returns and make payments. The IRS is processing claims for Covid-era tax credits, with decisions delayed due to fraud. The IRS is also offering online tax return transcripts and Form 4506 for requesting copies of tax returns for those who have lost their records.
