FEMA opens SC Helene assistance center in Chester. York County coming soon
FEMA opened an in-person claims center in Chester County and plans to open one in York County to reach people who have not yet sought help from Helene storm damage.
FEMA’s Chester County disaster recovery center opened Thursday at the county government complex, located at 1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass in Chester. It will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m to 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
The in-person site gives people a way to apply for benefits and ask federal intake workers if the damage they had in the late September storm meets FEMA guidelines, said Hannah Kirschman, FEMA media relations specialist.
The center also has representatives from the S.C. Department of Social Services, the S.C. Office of Resilience, and federal Small Business Administration to help residents.
FEMA is providing assistance to homeowners and renters. Helene was still a tropical storm when it ripped through South Carolina Sept. 27.
Chester County has around 32,000 residents. Residents there became eligible for disaster assistance Oct. 9.
More than 1,050 people have already applied online for assistance, said Ed Darby, Chester County Emergency Management director. More than $400,000 in FEMA benefits have already been approved to those who have applied, Darby said.
York County residents became eligible for FEMA individual assistance Oct. 7.
Kirschman from FEMA and York County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes said Thursday federal and local officials are working on a York County in-person site. County and FEMA officials will announce the location and date of opening as soon as it is set.
What you need to apply
FEMA said in a statement earlier this month people must have certain information when applying.
▪ A current phone number where you can be contacted.
▪ Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
▪ Your Social Security number.
▪ A general list of damage and losses.
▪ Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
▪ If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
More information on FEMA help
People can apply in-person, online or by phone, FEMA said.
▪ Online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
▪ You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling 800-621-3362.
For a locator of in-person disaster recovery centers, visit https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.
FEMA has also set up a web site to dispel rumors about benefits. To see what FEMA says is correct or false, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/rumor/hurricane-rumor-response.
This story was originally published October 24, 2024 at 1:01 PM.
