Chester County Welcomes FEMA’s In-Person Claims Center for Storm Damage Recovery
If you find yourself in Chester County, here’s some great news for you! FEMA has just opened a new in-person claims center right in the heart of the county. This is a golden opportunity for those residents who may have suffered damages from the tropical storm Helene that whirled through South Carolina back in late September. The center kicked off its services this past Thursday at the Chester County Government Complex, located at 1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass, and it’s set to be open for three days each week: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 a.m to 7 p.m. The best part? You don’t need an appointment!
A Helping Hand for Chester County Residents
This claims center offers a welcoming space for anyone to apply for federal disaster benefits and to ask questions about whether their damages meet FEMA’s guidelines. According to Hannah Kirschman, a media relations specialist for FEMA, “This center is here to help.” It’s also worth noting that this team is not alone; they are joined by representatives from the S.C. Department of Social Services, the S.C. Office of Resilience, and the federal Small Business Administration. This collaborative effort is aimed at providing comprehensive support to the residents.
Chester County is home to around 32,000 residents, and ever since the eligibility for disaster assistance kicked in on October 9, more than 1,050 people have already applied online, according to Ed Darby, the county’s Emergency Management Director. In fact, over $400,000 in FEMA benefits have already been greenlit for the ones who reached out for help.
York County is Next on the List
If you’re in York County, don’t worry—you’re also in line for this valuable aid! Residents there became eligible for FEMA individual assistance on October 7. Local officials, including FEMA’s Kirschman and York County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes, are currently collaborating to set up an in-person site in York County. Although we don’t have the exact location or date just yet, officials promise to announce these details as soon as they’re finalized. So stay tuned!
How to Apply for Assistance
For those who are ready to take that next step and seek assistance, FEMA has a few key pieces of information that you’ll need to have on hand:
- A current phone number where you can be reached.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and where you are currently staying.
- Your Social Security number.
- A general list of damages and losses you’ve experienced.
- Your banking information if you prefer direct deposit.
- If you have insurance, your policy number or your agent and/or company name.
Applying for assistance is super convenient, as you can do it in-person, online, or by phone. To apply online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov. There’s also a handy FEMA App available for mobile devices, or you can just call 800-621-3362. And if you want to find a locator for in-person disaster recovery centers, make sure to check the FEMA website!
Stay Informed and Rumor-Free
FEMA has also taken steps to keep the community informed. They’ve set up a website specifically designed to clear up any confusion about benefits, where you can find out what’s accurate and what’s not. Be sure to check that out and stay in the know!
In conclusion, if you or someone you know in Chester County has been affected by the storm, taking advantage of this FEMA claims center could be a real game-changer. And for our neighbors over in York County, keep an eye out for updates—help is on the way!
