Helen and Milton FEMA and SBA Assistance Application Deadline Extended

If you need to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Helen and Milton, the deadline has been extended to January 7, 2025.

According to the press release, homeowners and renters can receive assistance for relocation, home repairs, property loss and other uninsured or underinsured expenses. If you suffered damage from Helen and Milton, you must file a separate claim for both and provide the dates of the damage for each.

To apply, you can visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app, or call (800) 621-3362. If you use a relay service, closed captioning phone, or other service, you must provide FEMA with your number for that service. To view an available video on how to apply, click here.

The application deadline for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration has also been extended.

You now have until January 7, 2025 to apply for a Physical Disaster Loan for Hurricanes Helen and Milton. The deadline to apply for Economic Injury Loans for Helen is June 30, 2025. The deadline for economic injury claims for Milton is July 11, 2025.

Disaster loans can be used for needed upgrades on homes that qualify for the 50 percent rule. The rule states, “If the cost of improvements or the cost of repairing damage exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, it must be brought up to current floodplain management standards.” Borrowers can also add 20% of the certified loss mitigation amount, which can be used for home improvements. Money for these upgrades could be used along with mitigation funds.

For more information, the SBA is hosting online webinars on December 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. You can reserve your place here.

You can also visit an SBA center and speak with a loan representative at the following locations: