Federal aid has topped three quarters of one million dollars in Bertie County, among the hardest hit areas from Hurricane Matthew.

Meanwhile, according to the latest numbers supplied on Wednesday of this week by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aid to Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Northampton counties stands at $1,344,227.54.

As of Nov. 30, FEMA has received 965 applications for assistance in Bertie County where $751,045.48 has been approved.

In Hertford County, 390 applications have been made and FEMA has distributed $271,769.32 in approved assistance.

Gates County citizens have made 141 applications for federal aid. FEMA has approved $163,887.94.

Northampton County residents have filed 208 applications for aid. FEMA has approved $57,524.80.

All of the local applications and allocated federal funds have increased since the last reporting period on Nov. 23.

Through Wednesday, FEMA had received 75,821 applications from residents in over 40 counties in North Carolina that were declared as federal disaster areas. FEMA dollars approved in those counties now totals $80 million.

Nate Custer, FEMA Media Relations Specialist, encouraged North Carolina survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after Hurricane Matthew to stay in touch with the agency to resolve issues, get updates on applications or provide additional information.

“It is especially important for you to update FEMA with any insurance documentation information or settlements. FEMA disaster assistance covers only basic needs and cannot duplicate insurance payments,” Custer said.

To update your status call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

If you are changing addresses, phone numbers or banking information you should notify FEMA. Incomplete or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

When calling the helpline you should refer to the nine-digit number you were issued at registration.  This number is on all correspondence you receive from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

Custer said storm survivors can also call the helpline to receive information on the home inspection process; add or remove a name of a person designated to speak for you; find out if FEMA needs more information about your claim; update FEMA on your housing situation; and/or get answers to other questions about your application.

Homeowners, business owners and renters suffering property damage from Hurricane Matthew in those approved counties can apply for Individual Assistance. Some counties, to include those in the R-C area, also qualify for federal public assistance to help support recovery efforts of local governments and non-profits.

These types of financial disaster assistance are grants that do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Eligible storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred beginning Oct. 4.

If you are a survivor, you are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible, even if you have insurance. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, if you are underinsured, you may still receive help after your insurance claims have been settled.

The application period remains open until early January.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711 or Video Relay Service;

Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and you use a TTY; or

Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.