What are the steps of the FEMA process? What to expect when filling out a FEMA application

(This story was updated to include new information.)

Hurricane Helene left a wide wake of devastation across the Southeast over the weekend and millions of people without power. Some of those people, like those who survived the storm in Western North Carolina, have no way of knowing when power and running water will be restored, as the damage and loss of life Helene left behind is still being assessed.

Once water recedes and help can get to those who need it, there’s anticipated to be billions (if not, tens-of-billions) of dollars paid out in insurance claims across the areas the storm impacted most. If you aren't insured or know you'll be needing assistance from FEMA, there's a step-by-step process to follow when it comes to registering.

Here's what to expect at every step of the process of registering for disaster assistance with FEMA.

What kind of disasters does FEMA cover?

FEMA responds to all declared domestic disasters, according to its website, regardless of whether these disasters are man-made or naturally occurring.

According to FEMA's website, more than 25 counties in North Carolina are currently under a state of major disaster, making residents there eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

Here's a list of some of the disasters FEMA covers:

• Natural events like hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, high water, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, mudslides, snowstorms, or droughts

• Fires, floods, or explosions, regardless of cause

• Biological disasters

• Coastal storms

• Dam or levee breaks

• Severe ice storms

• Straight-line winds

• Typhoons

• Winter storms

What if you don't have flood insurance? Inch of water in a home could cost $25,000 to fix.

FEMA disaster declarations in North Carolina

Here are the North Carolina counties that are eligible for individual assistance in the aftermath of Helene, according to FEMA’s website on Sept. 30:

1. Alexander

2. Alleghany

3. Ashe

4. Avery

5. Buncombe

6. Burke

7. Caldwell

8. Catawba

9. Clay

10. Cleveland

11. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina

12. Gaston

13. Haywood

14. Henderson

15. Jackson

16. Lincoln

17. Macon

18. Madison

19. McDowell

20. Mitchell

21. Polk

22. Rutherford

23. Transylvania

24. Watauga

25. Wilkes

26. Yancey

What are the steps of the FEMA process? What to put on a FEMA application

Here's FEMA's step-by-step breakdown of how to start an application for disaster assistance and what happens after you register:

How to start your FEMA registration:

• “Call the toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at http://www.fema.gov. These are the ONLY ways to apply for assistance.”

What  to expect when you register: 

• “You will be asked for general information about your income, insurance, and the damage to your residence and housing needs.”

• “You will be given an application number, which will help locate your file in the system. Write this number down so you will have it secure and handy in the future.”

A Few Days Later: 

• “A FEMA inspector will call you to arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment.”

• “The FEMA inspector will come and look at disaster-related damages for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.”

• ‘You will be asked to sign a document saying that you or someone in your household was a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien at the time of the disaster. You will need to present identification.”

Later on:

• “If you qualify for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, you will receive a check in the mail or direct deposit to your bank and a separate letter, in the mail, explaining how you may use the assistance. You may get additional funds from other programs later.”

What can I spend FEMA money on?

"Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call," FEMA says.

"You can also review your claim at the online Individual Assistance Center at www.fema.gov."

According to FEMA’s disaster assistance step-by-step guide, these funds can be used for the following:

• “These funds may be used for rental assistance if your home or apartment is uninhabitable because of the disaster.”

• “You may use FEMA housing repair funds for essential repairs to make your residence safe, sanitary, and functional. These funds are for repairs necessary to make primary rooms habitable.”

• “You may use personal property funds for essential repairs to or to replace appliances and furniture.”

What are the different types of FEMA disaster assistance?

Here are the categories of assistance FEMA provides, according to its step-by-step guide:

• Housing Assistance: “Money for individuals to rent a different place to live (or a temporary housing unit when rental properties are not available).”

• Repair: “Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.”

• Replacement: “Limited funds may be available under rare conditions to replace a disaster-destroyed home.”

• Other Needs Assistance: “Money for necessary and serious needs caused by the disaster, not covered by insurance or other aid. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, and other expenses that FEMA approves. You may need to apply for an SBA low-interest loan before receiving certain assistance.”

How much can you get from an SBA disaster loan?

Here’s what to know about FEMA’s SBA loans and how much you might be eligible for:

• "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan packet after you apply for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov. It is very important to complete the forms in this packet and return them to the SBA as soon as you can."

• "If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, you may not be eligible for other types of assistance."

• "You can receive face-to-face help in filling out the SBA loan packet at any Disaster Recovery Center. For the nearest location, call the toll-free SBA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-359-2227."

• "SBA low-interest loans are available to renters, homeowners, business owners, and non-profit organizations that suffered losses due to this disaster."

SBA loan limits:

• "Homeowners may be eligible to borrow up to $200,000 for real estate repairs."

• "Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 for replacement of disaster damaged personal property."

• "Businesses may apply for up to $1.5 million for losses not fully covered by insurance."

• "SBA loans are made for the repair or replacement of real estate or personal property. You may also increase your loan up to 20 percent to spend on protective improvements that may help prevent damage from happening again."

How are people getting $700 from FEMA?

If you need immediate funds to pay for necessities, you may be eligible for a one-time immediate payment of $700 for Critical Needs Assistance.

“Critical Needs Assistance is typically approved quickly because it is meant to help with immediate needs like water, food, and fuel,” FEMA’s website says.

“Examples of other types of assistance include help with a temporary place to stay, funding home repairs, and emergency needs that insurance and other financial assistance sources may not cover.”

Here's what you'll need when applying for any kind of assistance through FEMA's programs:

• 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.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: FEMA disaster assistance: What to expect at every step of registration