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FEMA can help with disaster-related childcare costs according to a disaster assistance resources weekly update from the Carter County Mayor’s office.

Families who were affected by Tropical Storm Helene and have children under age 13 may be eligible for childcare assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. Childcare assistance is limited to $200 per week per child for up to eight weeks. Households with children up to age 21 who have a disability and need help with daily activities may also be eligible for disaster-related expenses.

Families must demonstrate that the storm increased their financial burden because of lost income, or that their childcare center was damaged or closed after the disaster. If a child is a member of multiple households, FEMA will award childcare assistance to the primary custodial parent or guardian responsible for childcare costs.

Storm survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties may apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The Disaster Resource Center (DRC) in Carter County is now located at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, 201 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton. Services are provided from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.