Dear Friends –

As South Carolina continues to rebuild from Hurricane Matthew’s damage, my staff and I have gathered information from FEMA regarding assistance and other resources that will be useful.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
On October 11, a major disaster was declared for South Carolina after Hurricane Matthew. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently announced that the following counties are now eligible to apply for Individual Assistance (IA): Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg.  Please note that additional counties may be added as assessments are completed and submitted for review. 

IA can be used for: rent; home repairs to primary residences; uninsured and underinsured property loss; medical, dental, childcare, and funeral costs caused by the disaster.

Individuals, including homeowners, renters, and business owners, who suffered loss or damage due to Hurricane Matthew can register a number of ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing should call 800-462-7585 (TTY)
• Download the FEMA Mobile App

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7am to 11pm EST seven days a week. Multi-lingual operators are available.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file an insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments.  However, those without insurance or who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

There is information regarding how to file a flood insurance claim on the FEMA.gov Hurricane Matthew webpage.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
SBA encourages survivors to register through FEMA. All counties eligible for individual assistance through FEMA are eligible to apply for Disaster Relief Loans from SBA. Survivors can apply for Disaster Relief Loans by:

• One-on-one assistance: https:// disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
• Online application
• SBA Customer Service Center (800) 659-2955. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing should dial (800) 877-8339
• Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Public Assistance (Categories A and B) is currently available for Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

Public Assistance (Categories C-G) is available for Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties.

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE 
Individuals who need immediate assistance not covered by FEMA should contact 211 to find available resources in their community

SCDOT
Questions regarding road closures or damaged roads can be directed to the SCDOT call center. The center can be reached at 855-GO-SCDOT (855-467-2368).

My offices in North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville are also available to help residents with any additional questions.

We will recover and rebuild stronger!

Sincerely,

Tim