Applications to the Individual Assistance Program can be made by: • Applying online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. • Calling at 1-800-621-3362 • Those with speech disability or hearing loss who use TTY: 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), calls 1-800-621-3362. These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice; operators are standing by to assist survivors in multiple languages. What You Will Need to Apply • Social Security number • Address of the damaged home or apartment • Description of the damage • Information about your insurance coverage • Current contact telephone number • Address where you can receive mail • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds. Additional Resources • The Internal Revenue Service has advised that taxpayers affected by the hurricane may qualify for penalty relief if they are unable to meet Monday’s extended deadline for filing 2015 tax returns. Taxpayers in counties that have been approved for the Individual Assistance program (listed above) will have until March 15, 2017 to file returns that are due Monday, the 17th of October. Taxpayers who have been impacted but reside outside of those counties may receive a penalty notice. If this happens, the taxpayer can request an abatement of the penalties by explaining, in writing, how they have been impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
- Businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters affected by the severe storms and flooding can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA loans are referred via the FEMA Disaster Assistance registration (link above).
- Farmers who have an agricultural emergency can call 1-866-645-9403, and can find additional information at www.ncagr.gov/disaster
- For flood insurance questions, please call 1-800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select option 2. Call center staff will be available to assist with information regarding policies, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and answer other flood insurance questions.