FLORIDA — If Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted you, the deadline to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance is Tuesday, January 7.

FEMA extended the deadline from December to give residents more time to claim losses from the storm.

The Albrechd family received FEMA assistance for damage to their home in Dana Shores.

A.J. Albrechd said storm surge from Helene flooded the first floor of their house, destroying everything.

During Milton, large tree branches damaged their roof.

While the amount they received wasn’t much, Albrechd said every bit has helped.

“Even if you don’t think you qualify for it, I’d still try and apply,” said Albrechd. “The worst thing they can do is tell you no. So just go for it and see what you can get.”

FEMA is giving Florida residents the same advice.

Wesley Thompson with FEMA Region 4 said even if you have already applied and were denied assistance, following up before the deadline with a local Disaster Recovery Center could lead to a reversal in FEMA assistance, if there were any issues with the claim.

“Just come in to the centers because we have people there who can literally walk you through it,” said Thompson. “And we can turn, possibly, not guaranteeing it, but we can possibly turn that ineligible letter into an eligible letter for you to get that assistance.”

For more information on filing for FEMA assistance from Helene and Milton, visit https://www.fema.gov

If you received damage during both hurricanes, FEMA said you will need to fill out new applications for each storm.