Personal Property and FEMA Assistance

Atlanta – FEMA assistance is limited to basic needs. It will not restore all property lost or damaged due to Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene. Insurance coverage is the best way to recover after a disaster. However, FEMA assistance for personal property may be available if you are uninsured or underinsured. 

Types of Assistance 

Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc. 

Clothing: Essential clothing needed due to loss, damage or contamination. 

Home Furnishings: Basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room. 

Tools Required for Work and School: Tools and equipment required for your job and items required for educational purposes. This assistance also applies to self-employed individuals. 

Computing Devices: This includes one personal or family computer. You may be eligible for funds for additional computers required for work or school that were damaged by the disaster. 

Accessible Items: FEMA provides assistance for damaged personal property required for eligible applicants with disabilities. 

Eligibility Conditions 

Items must have been owned prior to the Georgia disaster declarations.

• Items were owned and being used by occupants of the household.
• FEMA may not repair or replace a storm-damaged item if you own a similar item that works.
• FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord.
• Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are not eligible for assistance.

There are four ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance: call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Help on the phone line is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline for applications is Jan. 7, 2025.

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/Georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.