CHARLOTTE, N.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is calling on the federal government to approve funding for homeowners who are still cleaning up after severe weather caused widespread damage in Rock Hill last month.
McMaster asked President Joe Biden to declare the situation a disaster so the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can send much-needed money to residents and businesses impacted by the storms.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify team examined who qualifies for FEMA assistance after severe weather.
First, FEMA is required by law to ensure all help is given to those affected by a major disaster. With that in mind, a major disaster must be declared before FEMA offers any financial assistance.
OUR SOURCES
FEMA
THE QUESTION
If you are a renter can you get FEMA assistance?
THE ANSWER
Yes, FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may also help renters who lost personal property or were displaced.
THE QUESTION
If you have insurance, FEMA won't help.
THE ANSWER
That is false. According to FEMA's website, you can get assistance if you have insurance; however, you must also file an insurance claim. FEMA can't help with expenses covered by insurance.
THE QUESTION
If you receive a grant from FEMA, it has to be paid back.
THE ANSWER
This is false. In most cases, those grants don't have to be repaid. However, if you have insurance that covers temporary housing costs and receive an advance from FEMA while the insurance is processing, you will have to pay that money back to FEMA.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.