Georgia Residents Get Extended Deadline for Hurricane Helene Aid

     Georgia residents affected by Hurricane Helene have been granted additional time to apply for federal assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced an extension of the application deadline for hurricane survivors in the state.

     This extension comes as welcome news for many Georgians still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread devastation across the southeastern United States in September 2024. The storm, described as the deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005, claimed at least 225 lives and left hundreds more missing. 

     FEMA's decision to extend the deadline underscores the ongoing challenges faced by affected communities. The agency has already provided significant support, with over $45 million given to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and the deployment of more than 5,600 federal personnel on the ground. For those seeking assistance, FEMA has established a Disaster Recovery Center in Valdosta, Georgia, where residents can apply for individual assistance in person. The center is open seven days a week, with extended hours to accommodate applicants .

     Residents can also apply for aid online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. These services are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all affected individuals2.As recovery efforts continue, this extension provides a crucial lifeline for Georgia residents still struggling to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact.