FEMA Speaks Your Language

Don't let language be a barrier for you to apply for FEMA assistance. Regardless of language or accessibility needs, FEMA is here in South Carolina to help all eligible survivors of Hurricane Helene.

If you are a non-English speaker, you can receive assistance in your language when applying for FEMA disaster aid. Additionally, you can request assistive communication tools, if needed.

Language Is Not a Barrier to FEMA Assistance

Interpreters for many languages are available to those who call the FEMA Helpline. Multilingual phone operators are available to help non-English speaking survivors register for disaster aid and answer questions. After dialing the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, callers should choose Option 2 for Spanish or Option 3 for other languages.

The Disaster Recovery Centers have a sign with the phrase "I Speak" in over 40 languages, which staff members can use to connect you with an interpreter that speaks your language.

FEMA Information Is Accessible for All

Survivors can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to connect with American Sign Language interpreters by requesting one ahead of time, or in real time using Video Relay Services or Video Remote Interpreters. Assistive listening devices, amplified phones and caption phones for survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing are also available at the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Magnifying devices and printed information in Braille and large print are available for people who are blind or have low vision.

Apply for FEMA Assistance

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Jan. 7, 2025. There are several ways to apply:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in many other languages).
• Download the FEMA mobile app.

For accessible information about how to register for FEMA disaster assistance, select this FEMA accessible video.